Illegal drug stockpile seized from two hospitals in Warasiguda, Chandrayangutta

Hyderabad: Illegal stocks of narcotic and psychotropic drugs were seized during a raid on two private hospitals in Hyderabad—Bakoban Hospital in Chandrayangutta and BVK Reddy Hospital in Warasiguda, Secunderabad.

The raids were a joint operation by Telangana’s Drugs Control Administration (DCA) and Prohibition and Excise Department officials on November 7 and 8. They resulted in the confiscation of substances like Fentanyl, Ketamine and Midazolam, all held without an NDPS license.

Seized drugs and quantities

The DCA discovered substantial stocks of restricted drugs during the raids:

- At Bakoban Hospital, officers seized 47 ampoules of Fentanyl Citrate (50 mcg/ml) from owner Abdul Rahman.

- At BVK Reddy Hospital, 21 ampoules of Fentanyl, nine vials of Ketamine (50 mg/ml), and two vials of Midazolam (1 mg/ml) were seized from T Naresh Kumar.

Legal action under NDPS Act

Cases have been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Charminar and Musheerabad prohibition and excise stations.

“These substances were illegally stocked and held without the required licenses, constituting a clear violation of the NDPS Act,” explained B Govind Singh, drugs inspector for Secunderabad areas. Both Abdul Rahman and T Naresh Kumar now face potential legal consequences.

Officials in the team

The operation was led by B Lakshmi, drugs inspector at Charminar with multiple officers from the Drugs Control Administration and Prohibition and Excise Department.

K Shwetha Kumari, Prohibition and Excise sub-inspector at Charminar, described the operation as crucial in the fight against illegal narcotics. “Unauthorised possession of these substances can result in high-risk abuse and a public health threat,” she stated.

Strict licensing requirements for private hospitals

The DCA issued a statement reminding private hospitals of strict licensing protocols.

Hospitals must hold an NDPS Form-II license to legally purchase and administer narcotic drugs during surgeries. Additionally, institutions may obtain a Certificate of Recognition (Form 3G) from the DCA for essential narcotics.

Director General of DCA, VB Kamalasan Reddy, IPS, emphasised, “Stringent action will be taken against any unlicensed activity involving narcotics.”

Public health risks of narcotic abuse

The DCA highlighted the health risks of narcotic drug abuse, including addiction and overdose. Misuse of narcotic injections can lead to respiratory depression, drowsiness and in severe cases, coma or death.

Public reporting hotline

The DCA has encouraged the public to report any suspected illegal drug activities.

Citizens can report through the Drugs Control Administration’s toll-free number 1800-599-6969, available on working days from 10:30 am to 5 pm. As the investigation proceeds, officials emphasised the need for compliance to safeguard public health, promising further action against any detected violations.