Srinagar: As part of the intensified efforts under the Nasha Mukht Abhiyan, a special enforcement drive was conducted across the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar in the Chenab Valley. Surprise inspections of pharmacies and drug sale establishments were carried out to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the rules framed thereunder.
The primary objective of the drive was to identify pharmacies operating in violation of legal and regulatory requirements and to strengthen measures aimed at preventing the unauthorized sale and misuse of psychotropic substances and prescription medicines.
During the drive, the operations of fourteen retail drug sale establishments were disallowed on the spot under Section 22(d) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, including four establishments in Kishtwar and ten in Doda. The action was taken for various violations, including non-maintenance of mandatory sale records of drugs and cases involving impersonation and other regulatory irregularities.In addition, stocks of habit-forming drug formulations containing Tapentadol and Pregabalin, valued at approximately ₹2.00 lakh, were confiscated under Section 23 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Preliminary investigations have revealed that certain individuals are clandestinely procuring such drugs through online channels. It has also come to light that some drug sale establishments have been procuring habit-forming formulations containing Pregabalin-300 mg and Tapentadol directly from suppliers located outside the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in violation of the restrictions and guidelines issued by the department from time to time.
The licence of M/s Iyana Pharmacy has been cancelled for indulging in unethical trade practices by procuring habit-forming drugs through suppliers located outside the Union Territory using online channels. Further, the operations of M/s Hidayat Medicate have been disallowed pending further investigation.
The enforcement drive was conducted by Munish Gupta, Drugs Control Officer, Doda/Kishtwar, and Imtiyaz Ahmed, with the support of the District Administrations of Doda and Kishtwar.Rajesh Kumar, State Drugs Controller, J&K, reiterated that no person or firm shall procure lesser-known brands of drug formulations containing habit-forming ingredients directly from suppliers or manufacturers located outside the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir through clandestine means, online platforms, courier services, or speed post.
He warned that any such violation shall invite strict action in accordance with the Union Territory’s zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse, including cancellation of licences and other legal proceedings as warranted under law.
Meanwhile, Khalid Jahangir, Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, J&K, stated that these actions reflect the Department’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and safety and its firm resolve to curb the misuse of drugs, particularly among vulnerable sections of society.
He emphasized that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir remains fully committed to eradicating the menace of illegal drug trafficking from the Union Territory and that there shall be no tolerance for such unlawful practices.
The general public is requested to report any instances of unethical practices involving the sale, diversion, or misuse of prescription drugs to the department through its helpline email: JK.drugscontroller@jk.gov.in.
