In a major enforcement action against the illegal trade of psychotropic and habit-forming medicines, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has uncovered an unauthorized drug sales operation at a retail pharmacy in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district.

The action forms part of the DCA’s intensified surveillance efforts to curb the over-the-counter diversion and misuse of controlled substances across the state.

Acting on specific intelligence regarding the indiscriminate sale of narcotic and psychotropic medicines, a team of DCA officials conducted a surprise inspection at SVR Medicals in Sri Nagar Colony, Ramanthapur, under the Uppal Mandal jurisdiction. The pharmacy was found to be selling regulated drugs without adhering to mandatory statutory requirements.

During the inspection, officials detected the unauthorized stocking and sale of codeine-containing Tossex cough syrup and tramadol-containing Spasmo-Proxyvon Plus capsules. The team seized 20 bottles of the codeine-based cough syrup, each with a capacity of 120 ml, along with commercial stock and related records from the premises. Both codeine and tramadol are classified as habit-forming substances and are subject to strict regulatory controls due to their potential for addiction and serious health risks.

The investigation revealed several compliance violations at the retail outlet. Officials found that the pharmacy was selling habit-forming medicines without valid prescriptions issued by Registered Medical Practitioners. The operators also failed to maintain and produce authentic sales bills and did not maintain the mandatory Schedule H1 drug register as required under drug regulations.

The enforcement operation was carried out by Drug Inspectors G. Indira Priyadarshini (Habsiguda), B. Praveen (Shameerpet) and P. Ambedkar (Medipally), along with Assistant Director M. Sreebindu (Shameerpet). The raid was conducted under the supervision of G. Srinivas, Deputy Director-I, DCA.

Senior DCA officials stated that the unauthorized sale of scheduled drugs is a serious offence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and may attract prosecution, including imprisonment of up to two years.

Amid growing concerns over the misuse of sedatives and controlled medicines, the Telangana DCA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal stocking, over-the-counter sale or clandestine manufacturing of narcotic and psychotropic substances.