In a significant crackdown on the illegal sale of prescription drugs, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Sabarkantha district has arrested two individuals for possessing and selling codeine-based cough syrup without any valid medical prescription. The operation, which took place near Himmatnagar, led to the seizure of a substantial consignment of the controlled substance.
Major Haul Near Himmatnagar Bus Station
The police action unfolded on Friday when the SOG team first apprehended an 18-year-old identified as Karun alias Karan Parmar in the vicinity of the Himmatnagar bus station. Upon searching him, officials discovered 11 bottles of the codeine-based cough syrup in his possession. The immediate detention of this young individual marked the beginning of a deeper probe into what appeared to be a local supply chain.
Chain of Supply Unraveled
During interrogation, Karun Parmar provided crucial information that led the investigators to his alleged supplier, Dushyant Parmar, who resides in the same locality. Acting swiftly on this tip, the SOG team conducted a raid at Dushyant's residence. This operation yielded the recovery of more bottles of the illicit cough syrup.
The investigation did not stop there. Further inquiries by the police pointed towards another key player, Nilesh Thakor. It was from Thakor that the bulk of the illegal stock was confiscated. The seized inventory included labelled bottles of triprolidine hydrochloride and phosphate syrup, substances commonly misused for their psychoactive effects when consumed without medical supervision.
Targeting Youth and Legal Repercussions
Police officials stated that the accused were actively supplying the cough syrup to local youths, exploiting the demand for such substances among young people. The total value of the 176 bottles seized in this coordinated effort is estimated to be Rs 33,440.
A formal case has been registered in connection with this incident at the Himmatnagar B-Division police station. The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Gujarat to curb the illegal trade of prescription drugs, which poses a significant public health risk, especially to the younger demographic. The SOG's operation underscores a vigilant stance against such unauthorized pharmaceutical sales in the region.
