Crackdown on illegal drug sales: 9 pharmacies face action in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The State Drugs Control Administration (SDCA) under the Department of Health and Family Welfare has cancelled the trade licenses of five pharmacies and suspended four others across Nagaland for sale of illegal restricted drugs.

The cancellation and suspension of the trade licenses were initiated following the launch of a comprehensive state-wide inspection campaign to address the growing concern of licensed pharmacies engaging in the illegal sale of codeine-based syrup (CBS) and psychotropic substances and the widespread misuse/abuse of these pharmaceutical products by youngsters, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

It said that the SDCA is fully committed to the fight against the social menace of drug abuse in the state in consonance with the state government’s declaration on the ‘War against drugs.’

In this regard, the department has restricted the sales of certain categories of commonly abused narcotic drugs and psychotropic pharmaceutical products through a notification issued by the Government of Nagaland, though there is no legal sanction or provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940 and Rules.

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The SDCA is strictly enforcing the aforesaid notification and provisions of the Act and is leaving no stone unturned in dealing with licensed medicine dealers indulging in the illegal sale of restricted drugs, it added.

In recent times, the SDCA has cancelled the trade licenses of M/s Shanaz Pharma & Surgicals at GS Road, Dimapur; M/s Yepthomi Medical at Kalibari Road, Dimapur; M/s ZA Kiho in Akuluto, Zunheboto; M/s Salama Pharma in Niuland; and M/s N Pharmacy in Tsumang B, Wokha.

It has also suspended the trade licenses of M/s Grace Pharmacy in Dilong Ward, Mokokchung; M/s Changum Punia in New Jalukie, Peren; M/s Lansin Pharmacy in Mhainamtsi, Peren; and M/s Kichun Pharmacy in New Jalukie, Peren.

It mentioned that the licensed dealers have been cautioned to desist from such illegal practices, and reaffirmed that no licensee would be spared but will be strictly dealt with as per the law.

Meanwhile, the State Drug Control Authority has acknowledged the state police force for their concerted cooperation and coordination in providing security and intelligence inputs.