The Odisha Drug Control Department has launched widespread raids on multiple medical stores and pharmacies across the capital city.
The operation comes in response to mounting concerns over the unauthorised storage and sale of psychotropic and habit-forming drugs to youth without valid medical prescriptions.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding illegal distribution networks operating within retail pharmacies, special enforcement squads of the Drug Control Department conducted sudden surprise inspections at various commercial hubs in Bhubaneswar.
During the ongoing operations, enforcement teams are meticulously scrutinising stock registers, digital and physical sales ledgers, purchase invoices, and physical inventory levels. Department officials have reiterated that pharmacies found violating statutory regulations, bypassing prescription protocols, or hoarding illegal narcotics will face stringent legal action, including the immediate cancellation of their operating licenses.
Public health experts and civic leaders have lauded the initiative, viewing it as a vital and timely intervention to curb rising substance abuse among the younger demographic and dismantle the illegal pharmaceutical pipeline in the state capital. Authorities have urged citizens and local bodies to report any suspicious or unregulated sale of prescription medicines to help maintain public safety.
