Hyderabad: The Special Crime Team of the Central Crime Station (CCS), Hyderabad City, in coordination with Habeeb Nagar Police, arrested two persons and seized a large quantity of sedative tablets and cough syrup in a Hyderabad illegal medicine seizure.
Police acted on specific information about the illegal storage and sale of prescription medicines on July 17. They arrested Mohammed Sarvar alias Raheem, 30, a driver from Mangar Basthi, Afzal Sagar, Mallepally. They also arrested Mohammed Rabbani, 32, a band master from Afzal Sagar, Mallepally.
Police identified six other accused as absconding. They named them as Jammu Bhai, Mahadhari, Veerdhari, Echadhari, Amanlal and Kohinoor. The first four belong to Mangar Basthi. Meanwhile, Amanlal and Kohinoor are from Bidar.
Hyderabad illegal medicine seizure uncovers banned stock
During the operation, police recovered 77,700 tablets and 170 bottles of cough syrup. The seizure included 49,200 NitraZohm-10 tablets packed in 164 boxes. It also included 18,300 Nitcor-10 tablets in 61 boxes and 10,200 Nitravet-10 tablets in 34 boxes. In addition, police seized 170 bottles of Choco+ Cough Syrup of 100 ml each.
Police estimated the value of the seized medicines at around ₹10 lakh.
Investigators alleged that the accused procured the medicines from contacts in Bidar. Later, they sold the stock illegally in Hyderabad without lawful authorisation.
Hyderabad illegal medicine seizure targets drug misuse
Police said habitual offenders, people suspected of planning crimes and members of the public, particularly youths, bought the tablets and cough syrup at inflated prices to attain intoxication.
Officials said doctors prescribe the tablets for severe insomnia, chest pain and certain seizure disorders. They added that doctors prescribe Choco+ Cough Syrup for dry cough and the common cold.
However, police warned that excessive consumption of these medicines could cause intoxication, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination and a rapid heartbeat. They said such conditions could increase the risk of criminal activity.
Inspector Ch. Sudhakar Rao of the CCS Special Crime Team led the operation with his staff in coordination with Habeeb Nagar Police.
Finally, Hyderabad City Police advised people not to buy medicines, sedative tablets or cough syrups from unauthorised sources. They urged citizens to report any illegal sale, storage, transportation or distribution of medicines to the nearest police station. They added that they would continue taking strict legal action against those involved in the illegal sale and distribution of medicines.