FDCA Cracks Down on Illegal Drug Sales in Gujarat; Drugs Worth Over ₹42.6 Lakh Seized

Gandhinagar, October 8, 2026: The Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has taken action against four firms in Karjan and Surat for alleged illegal storage and sale of medicines, seizing drug stocks worth more than ₹42.6 lakh.

The action was carried out following directions from Health Minister Praful Pansheriya and under the guidance of the FDCA Commissioner, with the authorities focusing on misuse of narcotic and prescription medicines and illegal online drug sales.

Codeine cough syrup, Tramadol seized in Karjan

Acting on specific information received from the Maharashtra Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the FDCA and other agencies conducted a joint raid at M/s Chamunda Pharma in Karjan, Vadodara district.

Officials seized 13,938 bottles of ANREX (Codeine) cough syrup, valued at around ₹27.80 lakh, and 12,240 Tramadol tablets valued at approximately ₹50,000.

The premises were sealed following the violations. The firm’s wholesale drug licences under Forms 20-B and 21-B were permanently cancelled with effect from October 1, 2026, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Licence of Majisa Medical Stores cancelled

Action was also taken against M/s Majisa Medical Stores in Karjan, which was linked to Chamunda Pharma.

During the inspection, officials found stocks of Lomotil tablets, which contain an NDPS component. The inspection also found the absence of a registered pharmacist and a non-functional refrigerator required for maintaining the prescribed storage temperature for medicines.

The firm was issued a show-cause notice, and its retail drug licences were permanently cancelled with effect from October 5, 2026.

Surat firm found selling medicines online without licence

The FDCA also investigated illegal online sales of medicines, including Sildenafil Citrate, without prescriptions.

On October 1, officials raided M/s Dermatix India in Surat’s Varachha area. The firm was allegedly selling medicines through its website despite not holding a valid drug licence.

Medicines including Sildenafil, Minoxidil and Ketoconazole, valued at more than ₹11.26 lakh, were seized. Samples have been sent to the Food and Drug Laboratory (FDL), Vadodara, for analysis. Further legal action will be taken after the laboratory reports are received.

‘Sildenafil Ayurvedic’ listing found on online platform

During an inspection of M/s Kyara International in Surat’s Mota Varachha area on October 3, officials found digital evidence of the online sale of allopathic medicines under the name “Sildenafil Ayurvedic.”

According to the investigation, medicines worth around ₹3.60 lakh had allegedly been sold through online platforms such as Meesho during the previous month.

The authorities said the same individual had earlier faced action for storing medicines without a licence. The latest case is therefore being treated as a repeat violation, with further action being initiated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

FDCA to monitor online platforms

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said selling allopathic medicines such as Sildenafil under an “Ayurvedic” label or selling prescription medicines without a valid prescription constitutes a violation of the law.

He said a joint team of the FDCA and cyber cell would undertake continued digital monitoring of online platforms and websites to identify illegal drug sales.

The minister also directed the authorities to undertake micro-level planning and awareness initiatives, along with enforcement measures, to prevent the misuse of codeine-based cough syrups and other medicines, particularly among young people.

He said action against illegal drug sales would continue across both physical pharmacies and e-commerce platforms.