Medical store raided in Delhi over alleged sale of pregabalin without prescription
Medical Store Raided in Delhi Over Pregabalin Sale Claims
Indiadailyupdate.com – A medical store raided in Delhi has come under scrutiny after authorities alleged that pregabalin capsules were sold without a doctor’s prescription. Delhi Police and the Drug Control Department conducted a joint inspection at Ambey Pharmacy in Pooth Khurd, outer north Delhi.
The inspection was carried out on September 18 at the shop on Pipeline Road near Satguru Dairy. Officials said they had received information suggesting that pregabalin was being supplied to people seeking its intoxicating effects instead of for legitimate medical use.
Decoy Customer Used During Inspection
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shobhit Saxena said a decoy customer was sent into the pharmacy with a ₹500 note to ask for pregabalin without producing a prescription. The shopkeeper allegedly sold the capsules, and officials later recovered the same note from him.
Pregabalin is prescribed for conditions including neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and certain neurological disorders. Its use requires medical supervision because inappropriate use or dosage can create health risks.
Licence and Medicine Records Under Review
The medical store raided in Delhi was being operated by Akhil, a resident of Daryapur, officials said. A drug licence displayed at the premises was issued in the name of Sagar Rana and was valid until May 6, 2026.
During the inspection, authorities said they did not find a renewal application or proof that the required renewal fee had been paid. Drug control officials are examining the licence status as part of the wider inquiry.
Schedule H and Schedule H1 medicines were also found at the outlet. These medicines are subject to stricter controls and are meant to be dispensed through regulated channels with appropriate medical documentation.
Officials said purchase bills, sales records and prescribed registers were unavailable at the shop. Such documents help regulators trace medicine supplies, verify authorised distribution and check whether medicines were sold in accordance with applicable rules.
Expired Medicines and Supply Route Examined
Authorities also found a substantial quantity of expired medicines at the pharmacy. In some instances, manufacturing or expiry details on packets had allegedly been covered with permanent marker, raising concerns about how the stock was handled.
No CCTV camera was installed at the premises, officials said. The shopkeeper reportedly told investigators that the medicines had been obtained from a person named Rajesh, who was allegedly not an authorised dealer.
The Drug Control Department is examining the claimed supply route, along with allegations that pregabalin was sold for misuse and at rates above normal retail prices. The investigation will also review stock records, licence compliance and possible breaches of drug-control rules.
Pregabalin Controls Set to Tighten
Pregabalin was notified for inclusion in Schedule H1 by the Centre in May this year. The enhanced requirements are scheduled to take effect in November and will bring stricter rules for prescription-based sales and record keeping.
The medical store raided in Delhi case highlights why customers should obtain medicines from properly licensed outlets and follow qualified medical advice. Prescriptions allow clinicians to assess whether a medicine is suitable and to advise patients on safe use.
FAQ: Buying Prescription Medicines in Delhi
Can pregabalin be purchased without a prescription?
Pregabalin should be obtained and used under medical advice. Customers should ask a qualified doctor or pharmacist if they are unsure about prescription requirements or safe use.
What should customers check before buying medicines?
Customers should check that the pharmacy is properly licensed, review the expiry date on the package and retain the bill. They should avoid medicines with altered labels or unclear manufacturing and expiry information.
What happens after a pharmacy inspection?
Authorities may examine licences, invoices, registers, medicine stock and supply sources. Further legal action depends on the findings of Delhi Police and Drug Control Department officials.