UDHAMPUR: Drugs Control Organization (DCO), Jammu & Kashmir has confiscated a consignment of 8,000 Pregabalin-300 capsules being illegally transported through a private courier service. Acting on specific intelligence and routine surveillance of courier networks, a team of Drugs Control Officers—Rakesh Singh Slathia and Narinder Parvesh, under the supervision of Assistant Drugs Controller Udhampur, Sanjeev Gupta conducted a targeted inspection at a courier facility operating in the region.
During the inspection, a suspicious parcel was identified and opened in the presence of authorized personnel. Upon examination, the parcel was found to contain 8,000 capsules of Pregabalin-300 (SP-NYL-300), a drug commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain but reportedly misused for intoxication by antisocial elements. The consignment was found concealed and was not supported by any valid documentation.
Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the drugs were seized on the spot under Form-16 in accordance with the provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being routed into Jammu & Kashmir from a neighbouring state and intended for illegal sale within the Union Territory. Further investigations are underway to trace the origin and destination of the parcel and consignee details are being verified for initiating appropriate legal action under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
It is pertinent to mention that recently, 4,500 capsules of the same drug formulation were also seized from unscrupulous elements with the active cooperation of police authorities. State Drugs Controller J&K, Rajesh Kumar directed field officers to maintain strict surveillance over courier services, transport agencies and suspected pharmaceutical distribution channels and to take stringent action against violators.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner FDA, J&K, Smita Sethi reiterated that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir remains firmly committed to eradicate the menace of illegal drug trafficking from the Union Territory.
