Police in Krishnagiri have issued stringent directives to pharmacies to curb illegal distribution of habit‑forming drugs. All drug stores must enforce prescription‑only sales, CCTV monitoring, and immediate reporting of suspicious transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • Habit‑forming drugs must be dispensed only with a qualified doctor’s prescription.
  • Pharmacies must alert police immediately if a large quantity of controlled drugs is purchased.
  • Installation and active maintenance of CCTV cameras are mandatory.

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, Superintendent of Police G.S. Anitha chaired a coordination meeting in Krishnagiri, directing pharmacists and medical shop owners to clamp down on the illegal sale and circulation of psychotropic, habit‑forming substances.

The directive emphasizes that Schedule H, H1, and X‑controlled drugs can be dispensed solely against prescriptions from registered medical practitioners, with proper inventory logs maintained as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

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Pharmacy owners were instructed to remain vigilant against any suspicious bulk procurement and to report such activities instantly to both the police and the Health Department. Additionally, every medical shop must install functional CCTV cameras and preserve recordings for future reference.

Historical Background

India’s regulatory framework for controlled substances dates back to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1961, reinforced by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. Over the years, several states have intensified inspections, resulting in a measurable decline in drug abuse cases linked to unauthorized sales.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that unchecked distribution of habit‑forming drugs not only fuels addiction but also strains law‑enforcement resources, making proactive monitoring by pharmacies a critical frontline defense.

"Effective prescription control and vigilant monitoring are the only ways to eradicate the root causes of drug addiction," says Dr. Ravi Singh, addiction specialist.
Did You Know?: Approximately 1.2 million Indians fall victim to habit‑forming drug abuse each year, with illegal pharmacy sales accounting for a significant portion of these cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are all pharmacies required to install CCTV cameras immediately?
A: Yes, every licensed pharmacy must install functional cameras and retain footage as part of compliance.

Q2: What should a pharmacist do if a customer attempts to buy a controlled drug without a valid prescription?
A: The incident must be reported instantly to the police via the emergency number 100.