Hyderabad: TG-SAFE – Drugs Wing officials, in coordination with the EAGLE Force, conducted a raid on a medical shop in Gajularamaram following credible information about the alleged illegal sale of Tapentadol tablets.
The raid was conducted at Mana Pharmacy and General Store in Mahadevapuram, Phase-III, Gajularamaram, under the Qutbullapur area of Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
According to TG-SAFE, officials received information that the shop owner, identified as Bhaskar, was allegedly selling the habit forming medicine Tapentadol to teenagers in nearby basti areas.
During the inspection, officials reportedly found that Tapentadol tablets were being sold without valid prescriptions from Registered Medical Practitioners. The department also alleged that sale bills were not being issued and the transactions were not being recorded in the mandatory Schedule H1 Drug Register, as required under the Drugs Rules, 1945.
Officials seized stocks of Tentadol-100, containing Tapentadol 100 mg, along with purchase invoices, sale bill books and other relevant registers.
Tapentadol is an opioid pain relief medicine used for managing moderate to severe pain. As a Schedule H1 prescription drug, it can only be sold against a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Authorities warned that illegal sale and misuse of such habit forming medicines can lead to dependence and other serious health consequences.
The raid was carried out by officials from the TG-SAFE – Drugs Wing along with EAGLE Force personnel, under the supervision of senior Drugs Administration officials.
Further investigation is underway, and legal action will be taken against those found responsible, officials said.
TG-SAFE warned medical shops against the illegal diversion or indiscriminate sale of Schedule H1 and other prescription medicines. Such violations can attract legal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, including imprisonment of up to two years.
Members of the public can report suspected illegal activities involving medicines or drug-related manufacturing to the TG-SAFE – Drugs Wing through its toll free helpline 1800 599 6969, available on working days from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
