1. A 100-team task force was deployed across Andhra Pradesh as part of Operation Garuda, with surprise inspections carried out in multiple locations
2. Youth misuse certain prescription drugs like Albendazole tablets and injections for intoxication

In a major crackdown on the illegal sale of prescription drugs, the Andhra Pradesh police, vigilance and enforcement teams, and the state drug control department jointly launched ‘Operation Garuda’ across the state. Acting on the orders of DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, coordinated raids were conducted on medical shops and pharmaceutical agencies to curb the unauthorized sale and misuse of prescription drugs.

Eagle Team IG and Vigilance & Enforcement Chief A.K. Ravi Krishna, who is leading the operation, stated that the initiative was undertaken as per the directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha. The ultimate goal is to transform Andhra Pradesh into a drug-free state, and stringent action will be taken against those violating drug sale regulations, he emphasized.

A 100-team task force was deployed across Andhra Pradesh as part of Operation Garuda, with surprise inspections carried out in multiple locations. On Friday morning, a team conducted a sudden inspection at a medical shop in Gunadala, checking for any unauthorized sale of prescription drugs. Officials specifically looked for instances where medicines were being sold without proper prescriptions.

“We have received reports that youth are misusing certain prescription drugs like Albendazole tablets and injections for intoxication. With the increasing crackdown on cannabis, there is concern that young people are turning to pharmaceutical drugs as an alternative,” said IG A.K. Ravi Krishna. He warned that the NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) will be strictly enforced to prevent such abuse and urged the youth not to fall prey to drug addiction.

Drugs Director MBR Prasad confirmed that medical shops selling medicines without proper prescriptions will face legal action. He warned that those selling unauthorized drugs or failing to issue proper invoices would also be penalized.

“Only prescription-based medicines should be sold in medical shops. Any violation of this rule will lead to strict action. The government is committed to ensuring that no medical store engages in unlawful practices,” said MBR Prasad.

Authorities have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy toward the illegal sale of drugs and assured that more raids will follow to eradicate this menace. Operation Garuda is expected to continue in the coming weeks, ensuring strict compliance with pharmaceutical regulations across the state.