In a significant crackdown on the illicit sale of pharmaceuticals, authorities in Punjab's Fazilka district uncovered and sealed an unauthorised medical store operating without a valid licence. The raid, conducted on Friday, led to the recovery of a substantial cache of prohibited, habit-forming medicines intended for abuse.
Raid Uncovers Illegal Drug Trade in Village Pharmacy
The operation was carried out by drug inspector Ravi Gupta under the directives of Fazilka's civil surgeon, Dr. Kavita Singh. The team inspected a chemist shop located in the Ghubaya area of Bhamba Wattu village. During the inspection, it was confirmed that the establishment was running without the necessary authorisation. The owner, identified as Sukhdev Singh, a resident of Bhamba Wattu, was not present at the shop at the time of the raid.
Substantial Haul of Banned Medicines Recovered
A detailed search of the premises yielded a concerning stock of controlled substances. Officials recovered 84 capsules of Pregabalin 300 MG and 117 tablets of Tramadol SR. Both these drugs are strictly regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act due to their high potential for abuse and addiction. Their sale without a proper prescription and licence is a serious offence.
Following the seizure, a formal case was registered with the police against the person running the store under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). The premises were immediately sealed to prevent further illegal activity.
Authorities Issue Stern Warning to Chemists
Drug field inspector Aman Kalra, who was part of the investigating team, used this incident to issue a strong advisory to all chemists in the region. He appealed to pharmacy owners to maintain complete and transparent records of all medicine purchases and sales. He also urged them to strictly refrain from stocking any banned or controlled substances without appropriate documentation.
As part of the broader investigation, Inspector Kalra also verified the pricing of medicines being bought and sold by various chemist shops in the area to check for any other malpractices. This action underscores the health department's commitment to cracking down on the black market for prescription drugs and ensuring public safety.
