In a sweeping crackdown on the illegal sale of banned and prescription drugs, the Andhra Pradesh government intensified its ongoing ‘Operation Garuda’—a multi-agency initiative targeting violations across the state’s medical retail landscape.

Key Highlights

158 shops under scanner during Operation Garuda

• Joint raids were conducted by Eagle (Elite Anti-Narcotics Group), Drugs Control Department, Vigilance & Enforcement, and Police.

• Legal action initiated against 158 medical stores for serious violations.

Severe violations detected

• Indiscriminate sale of NRX and XRX drugs without prescription.

• Poor billing practices and sale of expired medicines to vulnerable groups.

• Offending shops were booked under NDPS Act and Drugs & Cosmetics Act, with license revocations and fines issued.

Strict enforcement and awareness push

• IG AK Ravi Krishna called for tighter prescription drug control and launched a toll-free number (1972) for public reporting.

• Announced launch of decoy operations to catch offenders red-handed.

• Urged pharma retailers to lead awareness drives in their communities.

Statements from Leaders or Officials
IG Ravi Krishna: “NRX misuse is a grave health threat. We need the support of chemist associations to educate the public and uphold responsible drug dispensing.”As part of its mission to make Andhra Pradesh a drug-free state, the government has signaled zero tolerance toward unregulated pharma sales. With decoy operations, strict penalties, and public engagement, the crackdown is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.