The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has asked its parent body, the Finance Ministry, to consider changes in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to empower state drug control authorities take action under NDPS against illegal sale of drugs, which can lead to drug abuse. The recommendations of NCB, submitted a couple of months ago, are being considered by the Ministry, senior NCB officials said.
The proposed move, if materialized, could give more powers to the drug inspectors. It would also mean additional responsibilities as there is already a heavy workload on them with regard to the implementation of the rules stated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act as well as the Drugs Price Control Order.
The move would help the drug authorities to check the sale of over the counter sales of several prescription drugs that contain narcotic substances like opium. Though such kinds of drugs are prescribed for strictly restricted use, the chemist shops are known to be easy outlets for drug abusers to purchase such drugs without prescription. With OTC sale of drugs growing to be a major concern, the drug inspectors can effectively use NDPS to curb the trend, it is felt. Armed with more stringent prosecution powers, the drug inspectors' inspection can turn a more serious affair among the chemists in future.