Ahmedabad: In a mission to protect the youth from drug abuse and safeguard their future from the menace of narcotics, Gujarat Police launched a statewide special checking drive across all medical stores on Tuesday. The drive specifically targeted stores located near schools and colleges.

As part of the drive, the Ahmedabad City Police inspected 880 medical stores across the city for the possession or sale of narcotic drugs containing banned substances, and for selling prescription drugs without valid authorization. A total of 230 cases were filed against 54 individuals under various legal provisions.

During the operation, police teams visited medical stores to verify whether any medicines containing banned substances were being sold without a prescription. They checked medicine stocks, sales registers, and ensured that all entries were properly recorded. In cases where illegal activity was suspected, decoy operations were conducted, and action was taken under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.

Additionally, medical stores located within a 100-meter radius of schools, colleges, and educational institutions were inspected. Police also checked roadside stalls, pan parlors, and tobacco vendors. Strict action under the COTPA Act was taken against those found selling tobacco to minors or involving minors in such activities.