Nagpur: The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have intensified inspections of medical stores and pharmacies in Nagpur as part of a special drive to curb the misuse and illegal sale of medicines. In a joint operation, officials seized medicines worth ₹22.03 lakh from a medical store in Jagnath Budhwari that was allegedly operating without a valid drug sale licence. A pharmacy in Wathoda has also been served with action for failing to maintain mandatory documents.

The inspections are being conducted between October 1 and 15 as part of a wider anti-narcotics campaign undertaken in line with targets set by the Centre and Maharashtra Government for 2026-29.

On October 7, a joint team of the ANTF (Action), Nagpur Division, and FDA inspected medical establishments at various locations in the city.

During the inspection of Fonex Medicraft in Jagnath Budhwari, officials found that the proprietor did not possess a valid licence for selling medicines. The team seized the entire medicine stock valued at ₹22,03,744 from the premises.

Officials subsequently inspected Shankar Pharmacy in Wathoda, where the required documents under the drug regulations were reportedly not available. The FDA has therefore initiated proceedings to cancel the pharmacy’s drug licence.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Ajit Tike by Police Inspector Nandkumar Kenjale, Police Head Constable Prashant Salam, Police Constables Ankush Gajbhiye and Nitul Sawaji, along with FDA Assistant Commissioner Anjali Mitkar and Drug Inspector Prashant Ramteke.

Citizens urged to report narcotics-related activities

Authorities have appealed to citizens to provide information about the cultivation, sale, storage, transportation or consumption of narcotic substances. Information can be shared with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force control room at 7218000073.

Officials assured that the identity and contact details of informants would be kept confidential.