Andhra Pradesh government’s crackdown on sale of banned drugs intensifies

Vijayawada: A high-level review meeting on drug control was conducted at Mangalagiri police headquarters, led by Eagle (Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement), the Drugs Control Authority, and the Andhra Pradesh Drug Dealers Association. Inspector general (IG) AK Ravi Krishna highlighted the statewide ‘Operation Garuda,' jointly carried out by Eagle, the Drugs Control Department, Vigilance and Enforcement, and the police.The operation uncovered violations in 158 medical shops across Andhra Pradesh, leading to legal actions, registered cases, and penalties against offenders. Authorities flagged issues such as the indiscriminate sale of NRX and XRX drugs without prescriptions, improper billing records, and the sale of expired medicines to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and illiterate individuals. Shops violating these regulations were seized under the NDPS Act and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, with warning memos issued, licenses revoked, and legal proceedings initiated.IG Ravi Krishna emphasized the significant health hazards stemming from NRX drug misuse and stressed the importance of strict enforcement. He urged the Drugs Control Association to spread public awareness and ensure psychotropic drugs are not sold without prescriptions.In the drive to make Andhra Pradesh a drug-free state, IG Ravi Krishna appealed to drug dealers' associations to lead awareness campaigns on the dangers of unregulated drug use. To curb illegal sales further, he announced the launch of decoy operations across the state. The public was encouraged to report banned drug sales through the toll-free helpline 1972.

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