Police Ask Pharmacies Not To Sell Select Drugs Without Prescription

Ramanathapuram, 2 May 2020:

Miscreants purchasing select drugs across the counter to get a high has forced the Ramanathapuram district police to issue an advisory to pharmacies not to sell a list of drugs without prescription.While the closure of Tasmac outlets has made many addicts to come up with innovative methods to brew illicit liquor, some are resorting to purchasing medicines used for treating cough, anxiety and panic disorders.

On April 28, the Thondi police arrested a 26-year-old and a 23-year-old after they were caught red-handed while leaving a pharmacy with tablets used for treating anxiety and panic disorders and cough syrup without prescription. The pharmacy owner was also arrested and the trio was booked under four sections of the NDPS Act, 1985.

So, police issued the advisory with a list of drugs – Tydol, Diazepam, Mantrax, Alprazolam, Nitrazepam, Methamphetamine and Chlordiazepoxide – that should not be sold by pharmacies without proper prescription. “The list was prepared in coordination with the health department officials and the drug inspector,” superintendent of police (SP) of Ramanathapuram, R V Varun Kumar said.

“Among such medicines are cough syrups with alcohol content priced at Rs 20 per bottle and consumed by the addict in one shot. There are also tablets that are dissolved in water and injected. We also come across miscreants faking prescriptions,” said Kumar.

Some pharmacies that have run out of business due to the highly-restricted functioning of hospitals are selling these drugs without a prescription. “This could even turn out to be deadly and the pharmacy will be accountable,” the SP said.

It would result in cancelling the licence and legal action against the owner as well as the sales personnel. Pharmacies can inform the district police at 9489919722 in case of any suspicion. The Times Of India