Secunderabad: DCA raids illegal facility at Namalagundu, seizes bodybuilding drug `Mephentermine Sulphate’

Hyderabad: Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has seized stocks of Mephentermine Sulphate Injection, a cardiac stimulant drug, which was being illegally sold for bodybuilding use.

The operation was being run from an unlicensed premises in Namalagundu, Secunderabad.

The raid followed inputs from Karkhana Police and resulted in the confiscation of 66 vials of TERMIVA and TERMIN injections.

Raid based on police inputs

According to the DCA, officials from the Secunderabad Zone conducted the raid on October 17 at H. No. 12-10-771, Namalagundu, belonging to one M. Naresh. The premises were found to be storing and selling Mephentermine Sulphate Injection without a valid drug licence.

“Based on reliable inputs from the Karkhana Police, our officers conducted a search and found that the accused was supplying Mephentermine Sulphate injections to gym-goers for abuse,” the department said in a statement.

Medical use and potential dangers

Mephentermine Sulphate Injection is a prescription drug used to treat hypotension (low blood pressure), particularly during spinal anesthesia in surgical procedures. The medicine increases the release of noradrenaline, enhancing heart output and constricting blood vessels to raise blood pressure.

However, the DCA warned that the same cardiac stimulatory effect makes it prone to misuse in gyms. “Certain gyms are illegally selling Mephentermine Injections to bodybuilders who use them to enhance endurance and physical performance,” the statement noted.

The department cautioned that unsupervised use can cause serious cardiovascular disorders and may even result in death. Only a qualified doctor is authorised to prescribe and determine the dosage of such medicines.

Legal consequences

The DCA clarified that the illegal stocking and sale of such prescription-only medicines constitute an offence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Those found guilty are liable to imprisonment of up to five years.

“The misuse of cardiac stimulant drugs poses a serious threat to public health. We will continue our vigilance drives to curb such illegal practices,” said Shahnawaz Qasim, IPS, Director General, Drugs Control Administration, Telangana.

Public urged to report illegal activities

The DCA has urged citizens to report any illegal sale or stocking of medicines, as well as suspected manufacturing or distribution of narcotic or psychotropic substances, through its toll-free helpline — 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on all working days.