MCDA, NAB team seizes unathorised drugs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 02 2011: A joint team of Manipur Chemist and Druggists' Association (MCDA) and Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) Police have confiscated a large quantity of drugs and other medicines which were illegally smuggled into Manipur without any licence.

Disclosing this while talking to mediapersons at its Rupmahal Tank office today, MCDA general secretary RK Ratankumar informed that a joint team of MCDA and NAB confiscated 28 carton boxes with 'life saving drugs' written on them which were being brought in an unauthorised manner from a person while checking some Inter-State buses yesterday afternoon.

However, some other people who were also bringing around 50 carton boxes managed to escape.

The lone person who has been picked up by the joint team was later on identified as a resident of Kwakta who works as a drug/medicine retailer without any valid licence.

The individual has been subsequently taken into custody by NAB, Ratankumar informed.

He said that many unauthorised individuals have been smuggling in large quantity of medicines as well as other narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS) into Manipur in the last four/five years.

These consignments were brought in through Inter-State buses and courier services without any compliance with regard to possession of the required drug licence and norms of taxation.

It is on account of the failure of the related authorities or department to perform their duties for so long that substandard drugs as well as other NDPS like SP capsules, Codeine preparations, etc which are being abused by youngsters have flooded every nook and corner of the State today, Ratankumar alleged.

He explained that drugs and medicines are not like rice and cereals which anyone can bring for sale.

Only an authorised retailer or a wholesaler who possess licence for local purchase under the Drug and Cosmetic Acts can only bring or order the drugs and medicines across Inter-State border after making necessary entry for taxation.

Today, there are authorised agents for every pharmaceutical companies in Manipur.

Only these authorised agents, and not any other individual, can bring in these drugs and medicines, which can again be kept in the custody of only authorised person and sold at the prescription of registered medical practitioner.

Because, drugs and medicines for meant to curing illness and save the lives of the people, and not for misuse/abuse, Ratankumar pointed out.

Comment