Vijayawada: In a major crackdown on prescription drug abuse, Andhra Pradesh’s Vigilance and Enforcement officials launched “Operation Garuda,” conducting statewide raids on medical shops and agencies on Friday morning. Over 100 Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) teams were deployed to prevent the illegal sale of narcotic and prescription drugs.
Directed by DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, a special task force, including EAGLE team officials, Vigilance and Enforcement, local police, and the Drugs Department, conducted inspections across the state. IG of the EAGLE wing, Ake Ravi Krishna, led the raids, emphasizing their goal to enforce the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and ensure a drug-free Andhra Pradesh.
Authorities found violations in 120 medical shops under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Five cases were registered under the same Act, and one case under the NDPS Act, 1985. A significant seizure occurred at Bhargava Medical Stores in Avanigadda, Krishna District, where the owner was found illegally selling narcotics. The confiscated drugs included: Tramadol tablets (2.09 kg), Tramadol injections (279.4 kg), Alprazolam tablets (3.63 g) and Codeine Phosphate syrup (554.4 kg)
This case carries a penalty of 10-20 years imprisonment under the NDPS Act, 1985.
DGP Gupta warned medical shop owners against selling prescription drugs without valid prescriptions, highlighting their role in fueling drug abuse. He announced that surprise raids will continue and urged the public to report violations via helpline 1972.
At a press briefing, IG Ravi Krishna stressed that selling medicines without doctor prescriptions is strictly prohibited. He highlighted misuse of drugs like Albendazole as substitutes for banned substances, leading to youth addiction. Despite measures against cannabis, reports show increasing reliance on prescription drugs for intoxication.
EAGLE teams inspected multiple shops to curb unauthorized drug sales. Ravi Krishna assured stricter enforcement of the NDPS Act and urged youth to avoid narcotics. Drugs control department director MBR Prasad reiterated that pharmacies must adhere to regulations and face legal consequences for non-compliance.
DGP Harish Gupta issued a stern warning to medical shop owners saying that unannounced raids would persist. He urged the public to report any violations through the helpline number 1972
