Vadodara: The Food and Drugs Department has permanently cancelled the licence of a medical store, Shivali Medicines, located in the Old Chhani Road–Navayard area, after multiple irregularities and violations were detected.

According to details, the shop had previously faced complaints for the misuse of narcotic medicines, posing a threat to public health. In 2019, a joint investigation by the Crime Branch and the Food and Drugs Department revealed that the store was selling codeine phosphate-based addictive medicines without bills or valid prescriptions. Following this, its licence was suspended for 30 days.

Further action was taken in November 2021 after a complaint was registered in Fatehgunj. During the investigation, irregularities were found in the purchase and sale records of Schedule II drugs such as Nitrazepam, Alprazolam, and Clonazepam. It was also noted that the store was operating without the presence of a qualified pharmacist. The licence was subsequently suspended for seven days.

In the latest inquiry conducted this year by the Special Operations Group (SOG), it was found that, in the absence of a pharmacist, the licence holder’s husband was illegally selling codeine-based cough syrups, including PB-Rex and Bescodex, to addicts without issuing bills.

A show-cause notice was issued to the licence holder on February 17, 2026. However, the explanation submitted was found to be unsatisfactory. Officials stated that the shop had repeatedly violated provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and misused its retail licence, thereby posing a serious threat to public health, particularly among the youth.

Considering the repeated and serious violations, authorities have permanently cancelled the licence of the medical store in the interest of public safety. DeshGujarat