Delhi Drug Seizure: ₹14 Lakh Stock, 37 Establishments Cited

05.11.26 – By NewsIP Bureau – New Delhi –

The Delhi drug seizure operation led by the Drugs Control Department, Government of NCT of Delhi, and the Delhi Police Crime Branch resulted in the seizure of medicines worth approximately ₹14 lakh from an unlicensed residential premises in Madipur Village. The operation took place on 4–5 November 2026, and Delhi Police arrested one person.

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A Drugs Inspector seized the medicines under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The stock was suspected to be of doubtful quality and was allegedly held for sale and distribution without the required licence. Samples have been drawn for laboratory testing. The Department said it is initiating legal proceedings, including seeking appropriate court orders concerning custody of the stock.

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The proposed prosecution is under applicable provisions of the Act, including Sections 18(c) and 18A, read with relevant penal provisions. The seizure and arrest are enforcement actions; the supplied information does not state that a court has determined the case.

Antibiotic inspections find violations at 37 establishments

In separate special drives targeting unauthorized antibiotic sales and other statutory breaches, the Department inspected 62 retail and wholesale drug establishments. It found violations at 37—nearly 60% of those inspected—and issued show-cause notices to the defaulting establishments.

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Inspections at 41 establishments in Krishna Nagar, GTB Nagar (Kingsway Camp) and Rohini found violations at 25. Reported irregularities included selling medicines without a registered pharmacist present, inadequate purchase and sale records, and dispensing prescription medicines without valid prescriptions.

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A further 21 establishments near AIIMS New Delhi and Safdarjung Hospital were inspected; violations were found at 12. Inspectors collected 110 drug samples for quality testing and analysis. The drives also covered unauthorized sale of Medical Termination of Pregnancy kits and compliance with CCTV installation requirements.

Department warns of antibiotic resistance risks

The Department said inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing public-health threat. It warned that dispensing prescription medicines without medical supervision can put patients at risk and contribute to drug-resistant infections.

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“Medicines must be sourced, stored and sold strictly in accordance with the law. Antibiotics cannot be treated as ordinary over-the-counter products. Every unauthorized sale puts patients at risk and contributes to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Pharmacists and drug retailers have a critical responsibility to safeguard public health, and violations will invite strict action,” the Department said.

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The Department said inspections, surprise checks, sampling and enforcement drives will continue across Delhi, with a focus on unlicensed drug operations, unauthorized sales of prescription medicines and antibiotic misuse. The information was provided by Shri Rajeev Bhargav, Licensing Authority and Head of Office, Drugs Control Department, Government of NCT of Delhi.

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