Drug License of pharmacy in Mokokchung Town canceled for unauthorized sale of prescription drugs

The Office of the Drug Controller, Nagaland, has suspended the Drug License of a pharmacy in Mokokchung Town for unauthorized sale of prescription drugs, the Nagaland Police Department has informed.

The press release explained that the suspension of the license is connected to a case where on 29th April 2024, the Police recovered Alprazolam Tablets and Buprenorphine Sublingual drugs from the possession of an accused named Yangpili Stm resulting in registration of an FIR at Longkhim Police Station, Tuensang under the NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act).

During investigation, the accused reportedly revealed that he purchased the Alprazolam 0.5 from one Setingchumla. In its efforts to establish the supply chain, it was revealed that the drugs had been purchased from a person named Choting, the Police said.

Further investigation revealed that the supply chain originated from one pharmacy in Mokokchung Town namely Grace Pharmacy.

The Tuensang Police then sent a letter to the Drug Inspector (CMO) Mokokchung district intimating the department about the violation of relevant laws (sale of prescription drugs without prescription) by the pharmacy. Simultaneously, a search was carried out on the said pharmacy and the residence of the proprietor by following all legal procedures.

“During the course of investigation, both the accused revealed that 1 box = 10 x 6 x 10 = 600 Tablets. 8 box = 600 x 8 = 4,800 Tablets was purchased from the said Pharmacy without any medical prescription, which is in clear violation of Government Notification vide NO: HFW-22/B -2/2001/47/ dated, Kohima, the 3rd February 2023 in respect of restricted drugs and the provision of Drugs & Cosmetics Act and Rules there under which is against the law”, the Department stated.

Based on these details, a report was submitted by Tuensang Police to the Drug Control Officer under CMO, Mokokchung district, and the Director of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima – Nagaland. As a result, in exercise of the powers conferred by Rule – 66 of The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 and on the recommendation of the screening committee, the Office of the Drug Controller, Nagaland, has suspended the Drug License of the pharmacy in Mokokchung Town.

Nagaland Police has extended its appreciation to the Drug Controller for taking action in this case and assured citizens that the Department would continue to act against unauthorized sale of prescription drugs, in the War Against Drugs launched by the Nagaland Government.

Further, the Department has requested pharmacies and drug shops to abide by the laws and not indulge in unauthorized sale of drugs through their shops and pharmacies. The owners as well as the employees are both liable for legal action besides cancellation or suspension of licenses for violation of laws, it has stated.