Kendrapada: As part of an intensified statewide crackdown on the unauthorised sale of psychotropic drugs, drug control officials have seized 1,100 ampoules of Pentazocine injections and other medicines along with medical devices worth an estimated Rs 9.70 lakh in Kendrapada.
The special anti-drug drive, being conducted from October 1 to 15 by the Directorate of Drugs Control under the Health and Family Welfare Department with police assistance, has so far covered 220 wholesale and retail medicine establishments.
Administrative action has been initiated against 137 of them for alleged violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and rules framed under it.
Officials are checking the procurement and sale of psychotropic medicines, including Alprazolam, Nitrazepam, Pentazocine and Tramadol, to ensure they are sold only against valid prescriptions issued by registered medical practitioners.
Medicines worth around Rs 1.92 lakh were also seized from unlicensed establishments in the Astharanga police station area in Puri, the Jonk police station area of Nuapada and various parts of Deogarh. Cases have been registered against those allegedly involved.
The drive is aimed at curbing the unauthorised sale and diversion of psychotropic medicines across Odisha.