Massive Pharma Raid in Baddi: Tramadol, Alprazolam Stockpile Worth Lakhs Seized, 2 Held
Arrested
Baddi: In a major crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical trade, Himachal Pradesh Police and the Drug Department seized more than 2.23 lakh opioid and psychotropic tablets from a godown in the industrial hub of Baddi and arrested two persons allegedly involved in the illegal stockpiling and trafficking of restricted medicines.
The joint operation was carried out at a godown located in Salasar Complex in Baddi, where officials recovered a total of 2,23,084 prohibited tablets. The seizure included nearly 1.62 lakh tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride and over 61,000 tablets of Alprazolam, both classified as controlled substances due to their potential misuse and addictive nature.
Police identified the arrested accused as Anuragh Shukla and Shiv Pujan Prajapati, both residents of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Investigators said the two were allegedly involved in storing and trading restricted pharmaceutical drugs without possessing valid licences or legal authorisation.
Officials stated that during interrogation, the accused failed to produce documents showing legal procurement or permission to stock the medicines. Authorities are now investigating the source of the drugs and attempting to trace the wider supply chain linked to the seized consignment. The ownership details of the godown are also under scrutiny.
The seized medicines have been taken into police custody and a case has been registered under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Baddi police station. Apart from the opioid tablets, officials also recovered a large quantity of other suspicious medicines from the premises. Separate legal proceedings under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act are being initiated by the Drug Department in connection with those recoveries.
According to a recent media report in The Indian Express, the raid was part of intensified enforcement action against illegal narcotics trade and unauthorised pharmaceutical operations in Himachal Pradesh.
Police officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify other individuals connected to the racket and determine whether the seized medicines were intended for supply in different states.
