Medical store in Kochi accused of promoting pharmaceuticals over-the-counter

A medical store at Kadavanthra was allegedly discovered promoting pharmaceuticals over-the-counter throughout a joint raid carried out by the Excise particular squad and Medication Management division in Kochi on September 13 (Friday).

The raid was carried out on the store following a tip-off obtained by Excise Commissioner Mahipal Yadav. Central Zone Joint Excise Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar oversaw the raid, which began within the afternoon and lasted until evening.

Through the raid, the medical store was discovered to be shopping for Tramadol tablets, a schedule drug belonging to the H1 class and extensively abused by college students and children, in massive portions and allegedly promoting them with none prescription.

Since July 2024, the medical store was discovered to have bought 20,910 Tramadol tablets and bought 18,535, out of which 2,758 have been discovered to have been bought with none paperwork, mentioned Excise officers. Spasmonil tablets, additionally being extensively abused, have been additionally allegedly discovered to have been bought with out prescriptions.

Bulk inventory of OCB cigarette rolling papers, extensively utilized by drub abusers, have been additionally discovered within the store. The drug management authorities have issued discover to the store directing to not promote such objects, which promoted drug abuse and smoking.

The proprietor of the medical store was discovered to have 13 medical outlets throughout the district. Inspections could be held in these outlets as effectively within the coming days to confirm whether or not they have been additionally concerned in comparable practices, mentioned officers.

Possessing Tramadol, which is usually prescribed as a painkiller by medical practitioners, in extra of 5 grams with out prescription is an offence punishable with 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment. Stern motion could be taken in opposition to these discovered indulging in such unlawful practices by utilizing medical store licence as a canopy, mentioned officers.

Drug Management authorities mentioned they’d take stern motion, together with suspension of licence of the medical store involved. Excise has launched an investigation to trace down those that purchased the medication from the store.