Hyderabad: DCA catches 142 medical shops selling addictive Alprazolam, Ketamine drugs illegally

Hyderabad: In a large-scale crackdown across Telangana, the State’s Drugs Control Administration (DCA) conducted surprise inspections on May 23 and found 142 medical shops violating rules governing the sale of habit-forming drugs.

The special drive was launched to curb the illegal sale of medicines classified under Schedules H1 and X of the Drugs Rules, including codeine-based syrups, sedatives and synthetic opioids.

Focus on high-risk drugs

The raids targeted a wide range of medications with known addictive potential, such as:

Schedule H1 drugs: Alprazolam, Tramadol, Nitrazepam, Zolpidem, Tapentadol, Diazepam

Schedule X drugs: Buprenorphine, Methamphetamine, Methylphenidate, Ketamine, and others

The sale of these substances is tightly regulated in India due to their potential for abuse, addiction, and serious health consequences.

Violations detected in 142 pharmacies

The DCA officials reported finding a variety of violations at 142 outlets. These included:

- Sale of habit-forming drugs without a valid prescription

- Non-maintenance of mandatory drug registers

- Dispensing drugs without the presence of a registered pharmacist

- Failure to issue or maintain sales and purchase invoices

- Lack of documentation for prescription-only medications

Show cause notices were issued to all offending pharmacies, and officials confirmed that further legal action would follow.

Health risks of medication

Particular concern was raised about Alprazolam, a medication commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, which is frequently misused for its sedative effects.

The press note issued by DCA director General Shahnawaz Qasim, IPS, emphasised the public health implications of such illegal practices.

Legal provisions and public reporting

Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the sale of Schedule H1 and Schedule X drugs without appropriate documentation is a punishable offence. These drugs can only be sold against a prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner.

The DCA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal sale or manufacturing of prescription drugs, particularly in residential or non-commercial areas. Complaints can be made via the toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational on working days from 10:30 am to 5 pm.