FDA, narcotics task force seize Rs 22.03 lakh of intoxicant drugs in Nagpur

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the anti-narcotics task force acted together in Nagpur and took possession of intoxicant medicines worth Rs 22.03 lakh from a chemist's shop. A second pharmacy in the city is now facing a proposal to have its drug licence cancelled.

The first action was at Bharat Mata Chowk. Officials had been told that a medicine shop in the area was selling drugs without any permission. Teams from both agencies reached the shop, searched it and carried away the stock, which was valued at Rs 22 lakh 3 thousand. The administration says the move is meant to stop the illegal sale of such drugs. Further investigation in the case is on.

The second matter concerns Wathoda. There, inspectors found a pharmacy that did not have the documents the drug rules require, but kept selling medicines all the same. The FDA has responded by proposing that the shop's drug licence be cancelled. This case came to light separately from the Bharat Mata Chowk raid, which was triggered by a tip-off.

Action was thus taken at two places in the city. At one, stock was seized. At the other, the shop's licence is under threat. In both, the department moved against the sale of medicines without permission or without proper papers.

The Nagpur operation follows a pattern. Tukaram Mundhe, commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, has been in the news for his strict approach, and over the past few months the department under him has acted again and again. That has unsettled those who flout rules, adulterate goods or trade in medicines illegally. The latest step in Nagpur is being seen as part of the same series, and it signals that the administration is taking a firm line on compliance with drug-sale rules.