Shopian, Apr 24: Authorities in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have stepped up surveillance of courier services over concerns of illegal distribution of prescription drugs and drug abuse as part of a crackdown on pharmaceutical violations.
The Drugs and Food Control Organization has flagged concerns that certain medicines, including those requiring a doctor’s prescription, may be reaching consumers without proper authorization via courier channels.
Officials say the move to monitor shipments is aimed at curbing drug abuse.
Assistant Drug Controller Humaira Shawl said inspection teams are being sent to courier operators’ offices to check for the movement of drugs that are susceptible to misuse or abuse.
“The idea is to curb any drugs, if being sent through couriers, that could be misused or abused,” she said.
The focus on courier services comes alongside intensified enforcement efforts across the district over the past year. According to official data, hundreds of inspections have been carried out since April 2025 to ensure compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and related rules governing the sale and distribution of medicines.
During this period, drug inspectors lifted multiple samples from retail outlets for laboratory testing, with a small number declared “not of standard quality.” Authorities also seized medicines worth over Rs 2 lakh in connection with violations, officials said.
Regulatory action has extended to licensing as well. At least 18 licences were cancelled under various provisions of the Act and 33 suspended for breaches including failure to maintain records for prescription drugs, particularly those with addiction potential. One licence was cancelled for stocking unjustified quantities of abused medicines without proper documentation.
“The core mandate is to ensure that safe, effective and quality medicines are available to the public at reasonable prices,” an official said, adding that unauthorized distribution channels undermine both public health and regulatory oversight.
Officials noted that the alleged use of courier services presents a new challenge, allowing drugs to bypass traditional pharmacy checks. Monitoring mechanisms are now being strengthened to track suspicious consignments and ensure that only licensed entities are involved in pharmaceutical distribution.
The department has also pushed for systemic improvements, including 100% CCTV coverage in medical shops and the adoption of computerized billing systems across the district. Authorities claim near-total compliance has been achieved on these fronts, enhancing transparency and traceability.
