Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Drugs Control Directorate has intensified enforcement against the illegal sale of psychotropic medicines as part of a statewide drug-free campaign being conducted from October 1 to 15, officials said on Wednesday.
The campaign is being carried out by Assistant Drugs Controllers and Drugs Inspectors in coordination with the police, with raids being conducted at wholesale and retail medicine establishments across the state.
During the inspections, authorities are verifying whether psychotropic medicines, including Alprazolam, Nitrazepam, Pentazocine and Tramadol, are being procured and sold strictly against valid prescriptions issued by registered medical practitioners.
According to the Health and Family Welfare Department, raids have so far been conducted at 220 establishments, with administrative action initiated against 137 for alleged violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and rules framed under it.
In Kendrapara district, enforcement officials seized 1,100 ampoules of Pentazocine injections along with other medicines and medical devices. The seized items were estimated to be worth around Rs 9.70 lakh.
Similarly, medicines valued at approximately Rs 1.92 lakh were seized from unlicensed establishments in the Astaranga police station area of Puri district, Jonk police station area of Nuapada district and different locations in Debagarh district.
Cases have been registered against persons allegedly involved in the violations, the department said.
The campaign will continue across the state until October 15, officials added.
