Banned medicines worth ₹32 lakh seized in Patna; smuggler arrested.
Patna. In a major crackdown on the illegal trade of narcotic and banned drugs in Bihar, a team from the Drugs and Excise Department raided the Patna City area and seized a large quantity of prohibited medicines. One smuggler was also arrested during the operation. The estimated value of the seized medicines is approximately ₹32,71,560. The department has initiated an investigation into the matter, and the arrested individual is being interrogated.
According to reports, the Drugs and Excise Department team raided a warehouse in the Bank Colony, Shivpur area—falling under the Mehdiganj police station limits in Patna City—late Thursday night. Acting on a tip-off, the team discovered a significant quantity of narcotic and banned medicines. Officials stated that the drugs were being stored illegally, and an investigation is underway regarding the individuals involved in this trade.
During the raid, the team arrested the warehouse operator, Rajnish Kumar, at the scene. Officials said they are interrogating the accused to determine the source of the consignment and identify the intended recipients. The department is also investigating how many other individuals are involved in this illicit trade.
Officials from the Drugs Department stated that the illegal use of narcotic and banned medicines poses a serious threat to public health. Using such medicines without medical advice or authorization is not only a violation of the law but can also have severe health consequences. In light of this, the department is continuously conducting operations against illegal drug traders.
The seized medicines are being examined to identify the specific banned substances included in the haul. Officials are preparing an inventory of the seized drugs and will verify documents related to their quality and legality. If the investigation confirms the illegal trade, strict action will be taken against the accused under the relevant legal provisions.
Sources indicated that complaints regarding the illegal storage and sale of narcotic drugs had been received for quite some time. Following this, the department stepped up surveillance and carried out the operation based on specific information. Officials state that individuals involved in such illicit trade are under constant watch, and similar enforcement actions will continue.
Health experts note that the misuse of certain medicines can lead to addiction. The abuse of such drugs among the youth remains a cause for concern; consequently, the government and administration periodically launch campaigns to curb these practices. Preventing the illegal sale of banned medicines is crucial for safeguarding public health.
This action by the Department of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals is viewed as a significant step against the illegal drug trade. The department emphasizes that merely seizing the medicines is not enough; uncovering the entire network is equally important. Further action will be taken based on the interrogation of the arrested individual.
Investigative agencies are now working to determine the intended destinations for the seized medicines and identify the individuals active behind this operation. If the involvement of others in this network comes to light, action will be taken against them as well.
The administration has urged the public not to consume any medication without a doctor’s advice and to inform the relevant department if they come across information regarding the sale or storage of banned medicines. Officials believe that public vigilance can effectively curb such illegal activities.
Currently, the investigation into the seizure of banned medicines from a warehouse in the Shivpur area of Patna City is ongoing. Following the seizure of medicines worth approximately ₹32.71 lakh and the arrest of the warehouse operator, the department is now focused on exposing the entire network. Further arrests in connection with this case are anticipated in the coming days.