Bhubaneswar: Odisha Drug Control Directorate has seized medicines and medical equipment worth over Rs 22 lakh from 15 unlicensed establishments during a state-wide crackdown aimed at preventing drug abuse and illegal sale of medicines.
The special enforcement drive was conducted from October 1 to 15 across the state under the anti-drug campaign, with assistance from police personnel, according to the Health and Family Welfare department.
During the drive, assistant drug controllers and drug inspectors conducted raids and inspections at wholesale and retail medicine outlets across different parts of the state.
A total of 1,155 medicine trading establishments were inspected. Medicines and medical equipment worth Rs 22 lakh were seized from 15 establishments found operating without licences, the department said.
Administrative action is being initiated against establishments found violating various provisions of the Drugs Rules, 1945.
The Drug Control Directorate has directed all wholesale and retail medicine traders to strictly comply with the existing drug laws and regulations.
The department said such raids and inspection drives would continue in the coming days as part of efforts to curb drug abuse and build a drug-free and healthy society.