Unlicensed drugs seized from pharmacy

Ludhiana: The drug control department (DCD) has intensified its crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical stocks, uncovering a firm in Ludhiana storing nine varieties of allopathic medicines containing Pregabalin and Alprazolam. Acting on a tip-off, the department conducted an inspection at a medical store in the Kaneja area to verify compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules. The operation was executed by the drugs control officer, Ludhiana-3.During the inspection, the firm was found stocking nine different allopathic varieties containing Pregabalin and Alprazolam salts. However, the establishment failed to produce mandatory purchase records for these medicines, a direct violation of the provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Consequently, authorities seized the medicines, valued at approximately Rs 47,640, on the spot. Navdeep Sandhu, drugs control officer, Ludhiana-3, stated that strict action will be taken against such violations and confirmed that enforcement drives will continue to curb illegal sales and safeguard public health.Past recoveriesOn March 17, the drug control department conducted a similar inspection at a pharmacy, located in New Chander Nagar. The firm was found stocking four varieties of allopathic medicines containing Pregabalin. Like the recent case, the establishment failed to produce mandatory purchase records required under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Following the violation, medicines valued at approximately ₹23,408 were seized under the relevant provisions of the Act.