JAMMU: In continuation to its efforts to curb the misuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances, sleuths the Drugs & Food Control Organization carried out surprise checks of Drug sales establishments (Retail/Wholesale) across the Jammu Province.
During the drive, Operations of Fourteen Establishments were disallowed u/s 22 (d) of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 for violation of conditions of licenses particularly for not maintaining the sales as contemplated under relevant provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 & the rules there-under.
Statutory Drug samples of more than two hundred fast moving/commonly prescribed lesser known drug formulations viz Ant diabetics , Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular etc were lifted from the supply chain for determination of strength and purity. These samples were referred to Drug Testing Laboratories located within & outside the U.T of J&K for framing legal opinion to ascertain their quality parameters.
Moreover, 1150 Tablets of Alprazolam have been confiscated by the Regulatory Officers of the organization under the relevant provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act and the investigations in the matter have been initiated.
The Pharma Trade Fraternity is here by impressed upon not to indulge in direct procurement/purchase of Psychotropic Drugs viz Tapentadol, Tramadol, Alprazolam, Clonazepam etc from the suppliers based outside U.T of J&K in particular of lesser known brands which are prone to filch in the hands of nefarious elements. Otherwise, Strict action as contemplated under provisions of Act shall be initiated against the defaulters
State Drugs Controller, U.T of J&K has informed that modalities are being worked out to channelize and restrict the procurement and sale of such pharmaceutical preparations through identified Retailers/ Wholesalers within the permissible limits only especially near tertiary Care Center, District Hospitals, Psychiatric Clinics to curb the diversion and misuse of aforementioned drugs without affecting the legitimate requirements of the patients for prevention and cure.

KR Desk