Telangana cracks down on 158 medical shops for selling prescription drugs illegally
TG SAFE issues show-cause notices to 158 medical shops for illegal sale of prescription and habit-forming drugs during a special enforcement drive.
In a coordinated enforcement action across Telangana, the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has issued show-cause notices to 158 medical shops. The action follows a special drive on Wednesday targeting the unauthorised sale of habit-forming medicines.
The inspection focused on drugs such as Tramadol, Pregabalin-containing formulations, Nitrazepam, Alprazolam, Tapentadol, Codeine-containing cough syrups, and Zolpidem. Authorities found several shops dispensing these prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
Other violations recorded during the drive included the failure to issue bills, non-maintenance or non-production of sales and purchase records, and the absence of proper prescription and Schedule H1 registers. In some instances, medicines were dispensed without a registered pharmacist being present at the premises.
TG SAFE has urged the public to report any suspected illegal activity involving medicines, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. A dedicated toll-free helpline, 1800 599 6969, is operational on all working days from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for this purpose.