Cops mandate CCTV at every chemist to curb illegal sale of high-abuse drugs; violators face legal heat under new safety law; the order is part of a joint action plan by the Narcotics Control Bureau and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
Mumbai has over 7000 registered chemist shops. Representation pic/iStock
In a decisive regulatory move, the Mumbai police’s Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) has issued a citywide directive mandating all medical, pharmacy, and drug stores in Mumbai and its suburbs to install CCTV cameras at their entry, exit, and sales counters. The directive, announced by DCP Navanath Dhavale (ANC), gives shop owners a one-month window to comply. Failure to do so will invite legal action under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The order is part of a joint action plan by the Narcotics Control Bureau and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), New Delhi. The goal is to monitor the sale of Schedule X, H1, and H-category drugs, many of which are often sold without valid prescriptions despite being regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.
In the past six months alone, the Mumbai police has registered 49 cases. Representation pic/iStock
An official explained, “Schedule H drugs include common prescription-only medicines like ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic), haloperidol (an antipsychotic), and salbutamol (an asthma inhaler). Schedule H1 includes drugs with higher abuse potential, such as codeine-based cough syrups, Tramadol (a painkiller), and Alprazolam (used for anxiety). Schedule X includes highly controlled narcotic and psychotropic substances like methadone, amphetamine, and secobarbital, typically used in sedatives or psychiatric treatment. These require special licences and secure storage.”
DCP Dhavale, who heads the ANC, said, “These drugs legally require prescriptions, but are often sold over the counter without verification. This order is not merely preventive; it aims to enforce accountability. Mandatory CCTV surveillance will help deter illegal sales and provide vital evidence for enforcement and prosecution.”
Another official noted that many of these substances, particularly inhalables like codeine and salbutamol, are found in bulk in areas such as Dharavi, Shivaji Nagar (Govandi), Mahim, Bandra, and Malwani.
The directive requires strategically placed cameras to clearly capture faces, with a minimum resolution of 2 megapixels. Footage must be retained for at least 30 days.
Responsibility for regular inspections has been delegated to all local police stations under ANC’s supervision. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), District Drug Controller Authority, and Child Welfare Police Officers may conduct random checks and review CCTV footage for compliance.
Massive recent drug busts
The move comes amid a broader crackdown. Last month, ANC officers busted a courier-based Tramadol racket in Andheri, arresting three men and seizing 1,11,440 tablets worth around Rs 2 crore.
In parallel, the ANC’s operations against mephedrone syndicates led to the seizure of over 187 kg from Mysuru, worth R382 crore, and a follow-up seizure of 22 kg from Powai, valued at R44 crore, bringing the total to nearly R435 crore. In a separate case, Crime Branch/ANC teams seized ketamine worth Rs 89 crore in Raigad.
The numbers
In the past six months alone, Mumbai police has registered 49 cases and seized 700 litres of codeine-based cough syrup and 345 strips of prescription tablets, worth over R3.5 crore in the international market.
Mumbai has over 7000 registered chemist shops, officials said.
7000
Approx. No. of registered pharmacies in Mumbai
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