In a wide-ranging operation to crack down on the illicit retail of prescription sedatives, Andhra Pradesh Police's Elite Anti-Narcotic Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) has exposed offenses in 158 pharmacies in the state. The statewide operation, titled 'Operation Garuda', is aimed at checking the sale of NRx and other schedule high drugs without proper prescriptions.

Key Highlights

Mass inspection drive initiated under 'Operation Garuda'

• EAGLE, along with Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Vigilance, and police, carried out surprise inspections throughout Andhra Pradesh.

• 158 medical stores were found to be flouting drug sale rules, with cases booked under NDPS and Drugs & Cosmetics Acts.

Sale of psychotropic drugs without prescription raised an eyebrow

• Rampant sale of sedatives and painkiller drugs to youth without prescriptions or proper documents was found by the authorities.

• Pharmacies were found with bad billing practices and old medicines being sold to vulnerable communities.

Attention shifts from narcotics to sedatives

• With ganja cultivation now decreased to less than 100 acres from 11,000 acres, enforcement attention has shifted towards pharmacies selling schedule sedatives.

• Category-1 scheduled drugs were said to be sold openly without following record-keeping standards.

Sophisticated surveillance measures started

• EAGLE to geo-tag high-risk zones such as graveyards, abandoned buildings, and outskirts colonies.

• Drone monitoring to be utilized to thwart illegal parties and drug use in remote locations.

Quotes from Officials or LeadersInspector General A.K. Ravi Krishna, EAGLE chief, said:
"We are committed to ensuring Andhra Pradesh is a drug-free state. Through Operation Garuda, we are focusing on the uncontrolled sale of high-risk drugs, particularly in areas where youth are at risk. Pharmacies will have to follow prescription-based sales strictly and have transparent records."The operation has moved into the second phase with enhanced coordination among law enforcement and bordering states. Andhra Pradesh officials are compelling pharmacists to adhere to regulations and making appeals to citizens to inform about illegal drug sales through a toll-free number (1972). With decoy operations and technology-based surveillance on the anvil, officials are trying to implement stricter regulation of prescription drug abuse and protect public health.