Punjab Drug Control Books Illegal Chemist in Fazilka Over Habit-Forming Drug Sales
The drugs were allegedly being sold openly, in clear contravention of provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and related rules governing the sale of controlled and psychotropic substances.
Chandigarh: In a major enforcement action, drug control authorities have booked an unauthorised chemist for illegally selling habit-forming drugs without a valid licence in a village of Fazilka district.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, officials conducted a raid and seized restricted medicines, which are legally permitted to be sold only by licensed chemists and strictly against valid prescriptions, highlighting serious violations of drug laws and risks to public health.
During the inspection, the authorities found that the accused was running a medical shop illegally, without obtaining mandatory approval from the Drugs Control Department. A stock of habit-forming and prescription-only medicines, known for their addictive potential, was recovered from the premises. Officials noted that the drugs were allegedly being sold openly, in clear contravention of provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and related rules governing the sale of controlled and psychotropic substances.
Following the seizure, the premises were sealed, and legal proceedings were initiated against the accused. Drug control officials stressed that the unauthorised sale of habit-forming medicines poses a grave threat to public health, as misuse can lead to addiction, abuse, and long-term physical and mental health consequences, particularly among young people.
The department reiterated that special inspection drives are being carried out across Punjab to crack down on illegal chemists and the unauthorised sale of addictive medicines. Authorities warned that anyone found violating drug regulations will face strict action, including seizure of medicines, prosecution, and other penalties under the law.
Residents were advised to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and strictly follow doctors’ prescriptions, especially for drugs with dependence-causing properties. Officials also urged the public to report any suspicious or illegal sale of medicines to the authorities to help curb drug misuse, reports The Times of India.
