Drugs squad busts illegal medicine trade in Odisha’s Khordha

The Drugs Squad has busted an illegal medicine business at Banapur market in Khordha late on Thursday night, where allopathic, homeopathic, and Ayurvedic medicines were being sold without a valid licence. The operation, which had been running openly for a long time, was uncovered following a detailed raid by authorities.

Acting on a tip-off about the unlicensed medicine trade, a four-member Drugs Squad from Khordha and Bhubaneswar conducted a raid at Banapur market. 

Raid Seizes 60–65 Types of Medicines

After nearly six hours of inspection, 60 to 65 types of allopathic and homeopathic medicines were seized. The shop, operating under the name ‘Arogya Sadan’, had used flashy boards to attract customers. After raiding the shop, the Drugs Department also carried out a search at the owner’s residence, recovering a substantial quantity of medicines along with important documents. Inspection continued late into the night.

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Investigation Underway

Sudarshan Biswal, Assistant Drug Controller, Khordha, said, “An illegal medicine business had been operating in Banapur, with the quality of medicines being compromised, prompting a detailed investigation. During the inquiry, it was discovered that Seva Sadan is operating without a valid licence. Although the shop is labelled as Ayurvedic Bhavan, allopathic medicines were also found inside and subsequently seized. Since the business is functioning without proper legal authorization, strict action will be taken against the operators.”

The raid was conducted in the presence of Banapur Police, the Additional Tahsildar of Banapur, and a Magistrate, along with three Drug Inspectors and the Assistant Drug Controller. Officials have assured strict action against those responsible for operating the unlicensed medicine trade, underlining the commitment to safeguard public health in Khordha district.