In a crackdown on the illegal drug trade in Bengaluru, the Central Crime Branch, CCB, Narcotics squad, and the drug control officers in a joint operation with the Drug control department have swooped down on 8 pharmacies across the year, seizing, illegally sold drugs.
According to Section 22 of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act of 1940, inspectors are granted the authority to search and examine records related to the sale, manufacture, or distribution of drugs and cosmetics. They cannot stop, and search places or vehicles suspected of carrying such products.
During their raids, investigators observed the sale of medicines in an open place, which is a violation in itself, at Kritika Porwal Pharmacy in Chick Bazar Road, Shivaji Nagar, on March 2nd, 2024. But the bigger concern was that the drugs being dispensed were Tramadol and Tapentadol—powerful pain relievers often misused for their euphoric effects.
We have received numerous complaints from both the public and various police stations regarding the misuse of Tapentadol. People are reportedly injecting themselves after obtaining the drug from medical shops. We have conducted more than 250 medical shop inspections. Based on a tip from a police station, it appears these drugs are being sold without a prescription. Officers from the police and drug control department will investigate the sale records. If they don't match, it will be clear that these drugs are being sold illegally without proper prescriptions, said Dr Umesh S. Drug controller noting the shifting trends between switching from one drug to another. Dr Umesh said earlier, it used to be tramadol. Now tapentadol is misused.
Moreover, acting on a tip-off on October 22nd, the officer saw 3,210 Tramadol tablets, 20 Tapentadol tablets, 890 Alprazolam sleeping tablets, and 8 bottles of codeine cough syrup being sold without a prescription at Sri Datta Sri Sai Shreyas, a pharmacy and medical store on Nagavarapalya Main Road.
The officers confiscated 21 strips of Tapentadol, 100 milligrams totalling 210 tablets, along with the stockpile of insulin syringes at Aurangajez’s Medical shop in Yelahanka Meanwhile, Anitha Medicals in BTM Layout was found selling drugs like Zapit and Tytap, both of which are not meant for unmonitored sale. Various tablets suggest Tapentadol. Tablets 10 Tandok, 100 milligrams, and Teramandal were seized on August 16th from Abhinav Medicals. Katriguppe Road
Drug Control Department issued a press release highlighting the potential misuse of Tapentadol. In August, a dedicated online portal was launched for distributors and retailers. To report their sales in real-time daily, the system has been developed to prevent misuse of such medications by ensuring transparency and traceability in the supply chain. If the purchase and sales update does not tally it is considered a red flag for pharmacies.
However, September saw a flurry of raids. The drug control officer saw 42 sheets of Tapentadol. 51 sheets of Atrapar-Tramadol. 12 sheets of Tramacet and 21 sheets of Tramadol at Yesu Pharma on Pipeline Road, JC Nagar on September 4. Additionally, 19 bottles of tramadol insulin were also seized. It was reported that such a large pack of controlled substances. The shop had been operating as a major hub for the illegal distribution of prescription painkillers in the area.
When drugs and cosmetics are seized, inspectors must inform the judicial magistrate and seek guidance regarding custody, with the option to revoke the seizure if the issue is resolved. However, despite credible information about medical stores selling, unauthorized drugs, inspectors are restricted from taking direct action as they must follow specific legal procedures.
We are working together because each of us has certain powers. The police can seize the drugs, and we can't make a rest. If we acted alone, there would be gaps, but by collaborating we have succeeded in many such cases.Dr. Umesh.S. Drug controller
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Swati Sharma/MSM)