Last Updated on May 5, 2025 by The Health Master
DCA Telangana
DCA Telangana cracks down on illegal Codeine Syrup Network
The Prohibition and Excise Wing of Ranga Reddy district and the Drug Control Administration Telangana (DCA Telangana) in Hyderabad have successfully busted a network involved in the diversion and illegal sale of codeine-based cough syrups.
The team has arrested three persons, including two owners of medical shops and a woman acting as a carrier for the codeine-based cough syrups.
Uncovering the Network
The investigation was done by the Ranga Reddy prohibition and excise department led to the recovery of a case involving the unlawful possession of 1.050 kg of dry ganja from two persons, Vaibhav Kulakarni and Manupati Bhanu Prakash, in the Ramanthapur area.
During the further interrogation, important information coms out regarding the illegal sale of codeine phosphate syrup by a woman operating in the Lalapet region of Secunderabad.
The Carrier and the Pharmacy:
Following the information obtained, enforcement officials successfully intercepted Nalla Rajini, a woman found carrying 13 bottles of codeine phosphate syrup on her two-wheeler, presumably for delivery.
During the investigation, Rajini could not produce a valid drug license or any other record or a medical prescription for the significant quantity of cough syrup in her possession.
Under questioning, she confessed to acquiring the drugs from Generic World Medical Shop, situated in Vidyanagar, Hyderabad, thus directly implicating the pharmacy in the illegal activity.
Decoy Operation
A joint team of DCA Telangana and excise department officials conducted a decoy operation at Generic World Medical Shop.
During this operation it was revealed that the vendor was found selling three bottles of codeine syrup without issuing an invoice or demanding a valid medical prescription.
DCA Telangana quickly seized 80 bottles of the codeine syrup which were found stocked within the premises meant for illegal sales of the same.
Himalaya Pharma Under Scrutiny:
Further investigation by the DCA Telangana uncovered serious violations, including the sale of codeine-based cough syrup without prescriptions from registered medical practitioners and without maintaining the sale records.
It is further revealed that the codeine syrups were illegally sold by Himalaya Pharma, located in Bowenpally, Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
This firm is reportedly run by a relative of the owner of Generic World Medical Shop, which indicates a close connection within the network.
Irregularities and the Supply Chain
Promptly acting on this new information, drug control officers, along with the prohibition and excise team, raided Himalaya Pharma in Bowenpally.
The recovered documents that corroborated the sale of codeine syrups to Generic World Medical Shop.
The inspection of Himalaya Pharma also detected operational irregularities, the same as those observed at Generic World, including the sale of codeine-based cough syrups without prescriptions and not showing the proper sales records for 80 bottles of the codeine syrups.
Arrests Made:
As a direct consequence of these coordinated efforts and the evidence gathered, excise officials apprehended three persons.
These included the woman found in possession of the illegal syrup, Nalla Rajini, AK Singhal of Generic World Medical Shop and DK Goyal of Himalaya Pharma.
Key officers involved in the raids are as follows:
Excise department:
- J. Jeevan Kiran, Assistant Excise Superintendent,
- Bala Raju, Prohibition and Excise Inspector,
- Ravi Challa, Prohibition and Excise Sub Inspector.
DCA Telangana:
- D. Saritha, Assistant Director of DCA Telangana Secunderabad,
- Dr. K. Prabhakar, ADC at Quthbullapur, and
- Several dedicated Drugs Inspectors.
Q. What is codeine cough syrup, and why is its sale regulated?
A. Codeine is an opioid medication used to treat mild to moderately severe pain and to relieve cough. Due to its misuse and addiction, its sale is strictly regulated, and a valid medical prescription is mandatory.
Q. What are the penalties for the illegal sale of prescription drugs in India?
A. The strict penalties for the illegal sale and distribution of prescription drugs is there in India, including heavy fines, imprisonment, and the revocation of licenses for medical stores and pharmacies.
Q. What role does the Drug Control Administration play?
A. The Drug Control Administration is responsible for ensuring the quality, and efficacy of drugs. This includes inspections at medical stores or pharmacies and manufacturing companies, investigating the complaints, and enforcing drug regulations.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
Disclaimer: The information we have provided is for general knowledge and for informational purpose only and it cannot be treated as medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health issues and / or for the treatment of the same. The Health Master does not claim responsibility for this information.
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