Tamil Nadu Government cracks the whip on offending drug retailers

Chennai, Mar 26 (ANI): The Tamil Nadu Government is pursuing tougher action against offending drug retailers, following the seizure of expired drugs by police in Chennai.

Police recently raided the godown of a leading drugs company in Chennai, and seized expired medicines worth Rs ten million.

Reportedly, the medicines that were seized include mostly vitamin pills, pregnancy women pills, cough syrups and injections.

“The question of spurious drugs and recycling of expired drugs is a very serious issue and this particular issue has been brought to the government and to the people concerned through our informants. The Department immediately plunged into action and we have booked cases against the culprits under the drugs and cosmetics act. We have also filed cases against them in the court,” said Tamil Nadu Principal Secretary for Health and Family Welfare Department V K Subburaj.

“People involving in the production of spurious chemicals, distribution of spurious drugs, the maximum punishment is life imprisonment and the maximum fine amount is (Rupees) ten lakhs or one million. The Government of India has amended this recently and strict punishment will be taken against the defaulters,” he added.

“So, definitely we will book all these and we will try to give maximum punishment by following all the procedures,” Subburaj claimed.

Till date, at least ten persons have been arrested in connection with repackaging and selling expired drugs in the city.

The State’s Drug Control Authority carried out surprise raids in around 300 pharmaceutical establishments, consisting of medical shops and small companies.

Subsequently, two shops were sealed in the city. (ANI)