In a large-scale enforcement drive, the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) has made concerted efforts to check illegal sale of narcotic and psychotropic drugs in the state. The department targeted errant chemist shops by suspending or cancelling hundreds of licenses and taking legal action against defaulters under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Key Highlights

Enforcement action during FY 2023–24

• 2,860 chemist shops were checked throughout the fiscal year.

• 425 licenses were suspended up to 30 days and 51 licenses cancelled permanently.

• 40 court cases were initiated for misuses concerning controlled substances.

Long-Term monitoring over eight years

• Between 2016 and 2024, Gujarat FDCA checked 12,250 companies.

• 2,157 licenses were suspended and 204 cancelled permanently.

• Checking was against drug misuse such as codeine and alprazolam.

Year-wise breakup

• 2018: 1,019 companies inspected, 499 licenses suspended, 37 cancelled.

• 2019: 861 companies inspected, 342 suspended, 42 cancelled.

• 2022: 5,186 companies inspected, 235 suspended, 29 cancelled.

Zero-Tolerance policy reaffirmed

• FDCA Commissioner Dr. H.G. Koshia underscored the agency's dedication to public health.

• The crackdown is to prevent misuse of narcotics, especially by young people.

Message to retailers

• Chemists and pharmacists have been cautioned to adhere strictly to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

• FDCA has promised ongoing monitoring and severe punitive action in the future.

Gujarat FDCA's persistent crackdown on narcotic and psychotropic drug offenses is a reflection of its dedication to secure pharmacy practice and public health. With increased inspections and judicial follow-ups, the state is looking to maintain the purity of its pharma supply chain and slow the spread of drug abuse.