Unaccounted Pregabalin Stock Seized in FDA Raid: Amritsar Chemist Loses License
Amritsar: In a stern regulatory action, the Zonal Licensing Authority of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Amritsar, has cancelled the retail drug licence of Sarwan Medical Store in Ajnala after a surprise inspection revealed serious violations, including the recovery of a massive stock of 6,800 Pregabalin 300 mg capsules worth nearly Rs 1.83 lakh, for which the chemist failed to produce any purchase or sale records.
The inspection was carried out on October 6, 2025, by Drugs Control Officer Gurdeep Singh, accompanied by ASI Ranjit Singh from Bhindi Saidan Police Station. During the raid, officials seized the unaccounted stock under Form-16, triggering immediate regulatory action. An FIR was subsequently registered under Section 223 of the BNSS Act, signalling the seriousness of the offence.
Following the seizure, the FDA issued a show-cause notice to the firm, seeking clarification and documentary proof of lawful procurement and sale of the recovered capsules. However, the proprietor failed to respond within the stipulated time. Pregabalin, a scheduled drug with strict retail control, requires proper documentation due to its misuse potential, making the absence of records a clear violation of drug laws.
Zonal Licensing Authority Kulwinder Singh confirmed that the licence was cancelled after the firm failed to justify its possession of the large quantity of Pregabalin. The department cited “grave violations” and highlighted the threat such uncontrolled distribution poses to public safety. The cancellation order is effective immediately, meaning the chemist is no longer authorised to sell, stock or distribute medicines of any kind.
The crackdown is part of the FDA’s wider efforts to curb illegal drug trade, misuse-prone pharmaceuticals and unregulated chemist operations across the district. Officials reiterated that strict action will continue against retailers who bypass legal procedures and compromise patient safety, reports The Tribune.
In light of this enforcement drive, the FDA has urged all chemists to maintain complete documentation and ensure compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to avoid similar punitive measures.
