SRINAGAR: The Drugs and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the closure of a medical store in Udhampur after an investigation into the alleged illegal supply of Pregabalin capsules, officials said on Thursday.
The action against Nath Medicos, located on Battal Ballian Road in Udhampur, followed the recovery of 100 Pregabalin Capsules IP 300 mg from an individual by police during an investigation, they said.
Officials said subsequent enquiries led to further recoveries of the drug and pointed to an alleged supply chain originating from the medical store.
Based on information provided by police, officers of the DFCO seized the recovered drug stocks under provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and initiated an investigation. Statements of the persons concerned were recorded and relevant evidence collected, officials said.
A joint inspection of the premises of Nath Medicos was later carried out by regulatory officers and police officials. During the inspection, stocks of Pregabalin-based formulations, including Gabarutin-300 capsules, were found on the premises.
According to officials, the proprietor failed to produce the required sale and purchase records related to the drugs.
The suspect stock was seized after the licensee was unable to establish the lawful source and disposal of the medicines, they said, adding that the lapses amounted to violations of provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and related rules.
Pending further investigation and legal proceedings, the operations of the medical store have been disallowed with immediate effect, officials said.
State Drugs Controller Rajesh Kumar said all drug sale establishments were required to maintain complete transparency in the procurement and sale of prescription medicines, particularly those with abuse potential.
He warned that any attempt to divert such medicines into unauthorised channels would attract strict legal action.
Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, Khalid Jahangir, said the administration remained committed to curbing drug abuse and that enforcement drives and intelligence-based inspections would continue across the Union Territory.
The Drugs and Food Control Organisation also appealed to the public to report any information regarding the illegal sale, diversion, hoarding or misuse of prescription medicines. (KNS)
