FDCA Gujarat Acts Against Illegal Psychotropic Drug Sales

A significant attempt to stop illegal sale of narcotic and psychotropic drugs has been made by the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) in a major crackdown effort on the illicit sale of drugs in the state. Focusing on unauthorized chemist shops, the FDCA has taken a no-nonsense approach to make sure drug regulations are followed strictly.

As per FDCA Commissioner Dr. H.G. Koshia, 2,860 inspections of chemist shops were carried out during the financial year 2023–24 by the department. The inspections revealed serious violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Act, against which 425 licenses were suspended for a maximum period of 30 days, and 51 licenses were canceled permanently. During the year, the FDCA also filed 40 court cases, which mirror the seriousness of the offenses determined.

In the last eight years, the FDCA has kept an uninterrupted watch. During 2016-2024, it conducted inspections of 12,250 companies, suspending 2,157 and cancelling 204 licenses for controlled substance violations such as codeine and alprazolam. Just in 2022, 5,186 companies were inspected, resulting in 235 suspensions and 29 cancellations.

“Our message to violators is clear. Any involvement in the illegal sale of narcotics will face strict legal consequences. The Gujarat FDCA remains committed to preserving the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain. The Gujarat FDCA urges all chemists and pharmacists to adhere strictly to regulatory guidelines, warning that intensified surveillance and punitive action will continue in the coming years to safeguard public health,” Dr Koshia emphasized.

The FDCA has called upon all pharmacists and chemists to adhere strictly to regulatory standards, threatening that any participation in the illicit sale of controlled substances will be dealt with by stringent legal measures to maintain the integrity of Gujarat's pharma supply chain.