Navi Mumbai [India], September 29: The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch, in coordination with the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has seized a total of 2,220 Pregabalin capsules during a raid at a medical store in the Asudgaon area of Panvel taluka. Three people have been booked in connection with the alleged illegal sale of the medicines.
According to the information available, the action was carried out on September 25 at Mahadev Medical and General Store in Sector 4A, Asudgaon, following a tip-off that Pregabalin capsules were allegedly being sold at higher prices without valid medical prescriptions.
During the raid, officials recovered 15 packets containing 150 capsules from the medical store. The authorities reportedly found that details related to the purchase and sale of the medicines were not properly recorded in the store’s register and inventory.
The investigation subsequently led officials to the person allegedly supplying the medicines. From the supplier, another 2,070 Pregabalin capsules were seized, taking the total quantity recovered in the operation to 2,220 capsules.
The three people named in the case have been identified as medical store owners Narayan Singh Bhopal Singh, 50, and Anil Shankarlal Prajapati, 26, along with Vishal Mahipati Bhosale, 30, who was allegedly supplying the medicines. According to police, the three have not been arrested and were instead served notices under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The case has been registered at Khandeshwar Police Station. Police have invoked relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The case concerns the alleged sale, stocking or distribution of medicines without complying with the required licensing and regulatory provisions.
The FDA has also reportedly issued a notice to the medical store owners seeking action regarding the store’s licence. Officials are examining the records and stock details of the seized medicines to establish how they were procured and supplied.
Authorities are also expected to question the medicine distributor as part of the investigation. The probe will focus on the source of the Pregabalin capsules, the supply chain involved and the manner in which the medicines were allegedly being sold.
The seizure of 2,220 capsules has brought attention to the importance of maintaining proper records and following prescription and licensing requirements while selling medicines. Further details are expected to emerge as the police and FDA continue their investigation.
