Raids on chemist shops conducted across Gujarat, 50 lakh codeine bottles seized

A statewide crackdown on the illegal sale of medicines has resulted in the seizure of 50 lakh bottles of codeine across Gujarat. The Gujarat Food and Drug Commissioner’s office carried out raids at multiple locations, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Kutch, and Surendranagar, uncovering a large-scale racket in the unauthorized distribution of prescription drugs.

Since Friday, officials have been raiding chemist shops suspected of illegal drug sales. A significant seizure was made at a chemist’s shop in Shukan Mall near SIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad, where a large quantity of Laviril-500 – a medicine commonly prescribed for severe cough and spasms was confiscated. 

These medicines require a doctor’s prescription, but investigators found they were being sold freely, prompting strict action against the involved chemists.

A chemist from Ahmedabad’s Science City area, who was previously caught illegally selling medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been arrested again. Officials believe that despite past violations, the absence of strict action such as license cancellation allowed such individuals to continue illegal drug trading.

A separate operation in Vadodara last week revealed a massive illegal codeine trade. Authorities arrested suspects who were allegedly involved in the distribution of over 50 lakh bottles of codeine-based syrup. The supply was traced back to a shop known as Lohana Sant, which was found to be a key player in the illegal codeine distribution network.

The Food and Drug Commissioner of Gujarat, Hemant Koshia, confirmed that raids have been conducted, but his office is awaiting full reports on the seized drugs. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, and further legal action will be taken based on the results.