An awareness seminar was held for medical shop owners and pharmacists on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances at JNTU auditorium in Anantapur on Monday. The event was conducted under the leadership of Superintendent of Police (SP) P. Jagadeesh, EAGLE Wing IGP, Aake Ravi Krishna, who addressed the participants virtually, explaining drug control measures and legal actions.
Mr. Ravi Krishna said ‘Operation Garuda’ has been launched to control drugs in the State and strict surveillance and surprise inspections are being conducted on medical shops across Andhra Pradesh. Around 100 special inspection teams were formed last year to carry out large-scale inspections simultaneously. Strict action will be taken against the sale of medicines without prescription, especially Schedule-H, H1, and X drugs, he said.
The EAGLE IGP expressed concern over the increasing use of substances like cocaine, sedatives, alprazolam, and amphetamines among youth and said medical shops must strictly follow legal guidelines. He emphasised the need of cooperation between police, the Drugs Control Department, and public for controlling drug abuse.
Citizens can report drug-related information or suspicious activities by calling the EAGLE toll-free number 1972, and their details will be kept confidential, he said.
Mr. Jagadeesh said medical shop operators and agencies must strictly follow regulations and government guidelines. Legal action will be taken against the sale of medicines without prescriptions, he said, and added that drug abuse harms not only individuals but also families and society.
On the occasion, Dr. K. Viswanath Reddy, a psychiatrist from the city, explained mental health issues caused by drug and medicine abuse. Drugs Control Administration Assistant Director O. Veera Kumar Reddy explained rules under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, licensing, and record maintenance.
Published – March 23, 2026 08:31 pm IST
