In a swift enforcement action against the unauthorized distribution of habit-forming medications, officials from the Drug Control Wing under the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) conducted a surprise raid at a medical shop in Tellapur village in Ramchandrapuram mandal in Sangareddy district.
The raid led to the detection of illegal stocking and indiscriminate sale of habit-forming prescription drugs, highlighting the state regulator’s zero-tolerance stance on drug diversion.
The targeted operation was carried out at Sri Ganesh Medical and General Stores following specific and credible intelligence received by the enforcement authorities. Upon searching the premises, regulatory officers discovered that the establishment was stocking large quantities of habit-forming drugs without valid purchase bills. Further, the outlet was actively dispensing these controlled substances to customers without issuing sales receipts, in direct violation of the Drugs Rules, 1945.
During the search, the enforcement team seized a substantial stash comprising 6,368 capsules of Pyeevon Spas Plus (Batch No. QYECL022), with an estimated market value of Rs. 58,904. The seized formulation contains tramadol, an opioid analgesic categorized as a Schedule H1 prescription drug. Under drug regulations, Schedule H1 drugs are strictly habit-forming and can only be dispensed by a registered pharmacist against a valid prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner.
The raid was executed by a dedicated team of regulatory officers of the drug control wing under the TGSAFE, comprising Assistant Director P. Ramu (Patancheru), drugs inspector M. Chandrasekhar (Patancheru), and Drugs Inspector N. Ravikiran Reddy (Sangareddy). Authorities confirmed that further detailed investigations are underway to trace the supply chain, and strict legal action will be initiated against all offenders involved in the illegal racket.
Reiterating its firm stance, the TG SAFE Drug Control Wing warned retail and wholesale drug license holders across the state against the unauthorized sale or illegal diversion of habit-forming medicines. Officials emphasized that selling Schedule H1 and other controlled substances without prescriptions poses severe health risks, including chemical dependency and substance abuse among the public.
The regulator reminded trade members that the illegal diversion and unrecorded sale of habit-forming drugs constitute serious offenses punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Violators face criminal prosecution and imprisonment for a term that can extend up to two years, alongside the suspension or cancellation of their drug sales licenses.
To curb the illicit trade of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and habit-forming pharmaceuticals in residential, commercial, and industrial zones, TG SAFE appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities to the department through the official TG SAFE Drugs Wing toll-free helpline number.
