Medical shops cautioned against unauthorised sale of drugs

The Department of Drugs Control Administration on Friday conducted an awareness seminar on narcotic drugs and the prudent use of antibiotics at a private convention hall here. Addressing a gathering of chemists, druggists, and medical shop owners, Additional SP N. Yugandhar Babu emphasised that NRX medicines must not be sold without a valid prescription. He also warned against supplying intoxicating substances to youth and students, urging pharmacists to promptly report any suspicious requests or prescriptions to the police.

Officials highlighted that the state-wide Operation Garuda has already led to inspections of medical shops across Andhra Pradesh. In Nandyal district, 10 shops were raided and cases registered for unauthorised NRX sales, lapses in H1 register records, and violations of OTC sales regulations.

The Additional SP urged shop owners to treat compliance as a social responsibility rather than just a business obligation, stressing the importance of zero violations during the upcoming Operation Garuda 2.0.