In a major move aimed at countering the misuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the state of Gujarat, the Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) busted a wholesaler in Surat. The culprit was found to be illegally stocking and selling these highly regulated substances to patients not only from across the country, but to clients from abroad as well.

Following the crack down NCB, which acts as the regulatory body to check illicit traffic of these drugs and substances, seized drugs worth substantial amount from the wholesaler. Interestingly, due to the complex nature of these drugs, wholesalers in India are required to get the licence from the NCB for stocking the medicines under NDPS Act 1985. While the drug regulatory body is also expected to monitor and implement the regulation of these drugs as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

During the investigation it was found that the wholesaler was indulging in the wholesale of huge quantity of alprazolam tablets which used for treating anxiety and panic disorder, while also generally misused as sleeping pills. It is understood that following the crackdown, the NCB has already initiated further proceeding and has arrested the main accused in this case.

Dr Hemant G Koshia, commissioner of the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Authority (FDCA) informed that on receipt of the information on NCB's raid, his office has issued stop sale and distribution of all the medicines from this wholesaler while promptly cancelling the accused licence for wholesaling.

“Problems related to the misuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances or drug abuse can lead to major health related problems in patients, so much that it can even cause death.  With a view to reduce and keep in check the inappropriate use and demand of these substances, FDCA has been doing lot of sensitization among the stakeholders.  No compromise will be meted out on those who try to go beyond the laws of the land to jeopardise the health of the people. This incidence further strengthens our stand to bolster our initiatives to counter such incidence in the future,” Dr Koshia stressed.

Psychotropic substances are, in essence, medications used in the treatment of diseases, but their effect on humans equals the effect of natural narcotics like cocaine, heroin etc.

Incidentally, alprazolam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced. This results in a reduction in anxiety, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. However experts point out that due to its addictive property alprazolam is also widely misused for other purposes as well, making it a controlled drug.