The Gujarat Police has launched a large-scale crackdown on medical stores across the state to prevent the illegal sale and misuse of narcotic drugs. This operation was carried out under the instructions of Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghvi and DGP Vikas Sahay, as part of the efforts to uphold the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Key highlights

Crackdown operation

• The operation started at 12 pm and is being conducted in collaboration with local police, the Local Crime Branch (LCB), Special Operations Group (SOG), and the District Food and Drug Department.

• Teams of officers have been deployed to check medical stores under the supervision of DySP/DCP.

Focus areas for inspections
Medical stores in areas near educational institutions, including schools and colleges, have been prioritized due to the higher risk of drug misuse.Drugs under surveillance
Specific drugs under scrutiny include Aminopyrine, Phenacetin, Nialamide, Chloramphenicol, Phenylephrine, Furazolidone, Oxyphenbutazone, and Metronidazole all of which must be sold only with a valid prescription.Raids in various districts

• As of 4 pm on the same day, 282 medical stores were inspected in Valsad, resulting in 45 violations, including one related to the NDPS Act.

• In Surat, 333 medical stores were checked, and narcotics such as codeine syrup and alprazolam were seized.

• Further raids took place in Patan, Navsari, Jamnagar, Bharuch, Ahwa Dang, Dahod, Panchmahal, and Gandhinagar districts, with more inspections continuing.

Legal actions
Legal action has been initiated against violators, with plans for additional raids to ensure compliance and prevent the sale of controlled substances.Statements from authorities
The Gujarat Police stressed that these actions are crucial to protecting public health and preventing the misuse of narcotics. Harsh Sanghvi emphasized that the initiative will help safeguard young people and the broader community.This crackdown represents a significant step toward controlling the illegal sale of narcotics in Gujarat. With ongoing efforts to inspect and monitor medical stores across the state, the authorities aim to curb drug misuse and ensure public safety. The cooperation of local pharmacies and continuous legal action will be essential to achieving these goals and maintaining a secure, law-abiding environment in the pharmaceutical sector.