Ranga Reddy District: Officials from the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana conducted two separate raids on October 24, 2024, targeting illegal medicine sales and unlicensed medical practices in Ranga Reddy District.

19 medications seized 

In the first operation, DCA officials raided a medical shop at Shop No: 2, Ground Floor, Mahalaxmi Ganapati Complex, P & T Colony, Dilsukhnagar, where Neerkanti Nagesh was found operating without a valid drug license.

The raid uncovered unauthorised stock of 19 types of medications, including antibiotics, antihistaminics, and antiulcer drugs. The seized stock was valued at approximately ₹1.15 lakhs. Drugs Inspectors J. Nagaraju and L. Raju led the operation.

Quack clinic raided in Lambadigadda

The second raid targeted a clinic operated by quack Ratan Biswas at ‘Balaji Clinic’ in Lambadigadda, Puppalguda, Gandipet, Ranga Reddy District. Here, officials discovered 34 varieties of medicines, including antibiotics and steroids, stored without a proper drug license.

The total value of the seized stock amounted to ₹1.85 lakhs. Notably, the presence of antibiotics such as Cefpodoxime and Amoxycillin raises concerns about the potential for antimicrobial resistance due to indiscriminate sales by unqualified individuals.

Additionally, the misuse of steroids, including Prednisolone tablets, poses serious health risks. Drugs Inspectors D. Swetha Bindu and A. Shylaja Rani conducted the raid.

Samples were taken for analysis, and further investigations are underway. Actions are expected against all offenders. Wholesalers and dealers supplying medicines to unlicensed entities will also face penalties under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Report Illegal Drug Activities

V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, Director General of Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, highlighted the importance of public vigilance. “We urge the public to report any suspected illegal drug-related activities, including those involving narcotic and psychotropic substances, through our toll-free number 1800-599-6969, available from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all working days.”

The DCA reminds the public to purchase medicines only from licensed medical shops, as unlicensed vendors pose significant health risks, including the distribution of counterfeit products. Verifying a pharmacy's license can be done via the 'Third Party Verification' section on the ODLS website: https://odls.telangana.gov.in/ThirdPartypublicview.aspx.