Gujarat Cracks Down on Illegal Codeine Medicines, Seizes Rs.83 Lakh Stock

GANDHINAGAR : Gujarat has launched a state-wide crackdown on the illegal storage, unauthorised sale and misuse of codeine-containing medicines, with the Food and Drug Regulatory Authority (FDA) restricting drugs worth more than ₹83.07 lakh during inspections since September 1.

The special drive, ordered by Health Minister Praful Panseria, covered wholesale and retail medicine traders in Ahmedabad, Mehsana and other areas. Officials found 37,762 bottles of Rexton-T Syrup containing codeine at Balaji Pharma in Ahmedabad Rural-Gandhinagar. Valued at ₹83,07,640 at an MRP of ₹220 per bottle, the entire stock has been restricted from further sale or use, while samples were collected for laboratory analysis.

An examination of purchase and sale records indicated that the firm was primarily dealing in codeine-containing medicines. A show-cause notice has been issued and further investigation is underway.

The FDA also cancelled the drug-sale licence of Health Point Pharma in Kalol after the firm’s explanation regarding irregularities found during an August 31 inspection was deemed unsatisfactory.

Show-cause notices have also been issued to Pharmalin Lifesciences in Changodar, Rain Remedies in Santej, Capital Pharma in Visnagar, HRDM Global Solutions in Ahmedabad-1 and Jay Ambe Distributors following scrutiny of bills, records and other documents.

At Jay Ambe Distributors, officials restricted 57 bottles of R Tuss TD Syrup, containing codeine and valued at ₹9,006 based on its ₹158 MRP. Records showed the firm was mainly trading in codeine-based medicines.

Irregularities were also detected at Krishna Pharma in Kathwada, with the show-cause notice process underway.

“The government is following a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal storage, unauthorised sale and misuse of codeine-containing medicines,” Panseria said, adding that strict legal action would continue.