New Delhi, Dec 15 (NationPress) The Delhi Health Minister, Pankaj Kumar Singh, has mandated an escalation in the crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, instructing the officials from the Drugs Control Department to initiate a focused inspection and enforcement operation at Bhagirath Palace, located near the Red Fort, according to an official announcement.

This intensified initiative aligns with the Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, demonstrating a robust commitment to ensuring the public has access to safe, effective, and quality medications, as stated by the official.

"Guaranteeing the availability of safe and high-quality medications is non-negotiable. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards counterfeit, substandard, or illegally marketed drugs and medical devices. Rigorous enforcement actions and coordinated efforts with law enforcement will persist throughout Delhi to safeguard public health," remarked Pankaj Kumar Singh.

During the specially focused enforcement operation, departmental teams executed 27 inspections of wholesale drug suppliers operating within the vicinity.

Consequently, over 10 companies were identified as violating the Drugs Rules, prompting necessary legal actions against these non-compliant entities under the relevant provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and associated rules, according to the statement.

To confirm adherence to established quality and safety standards, 204 samples of syrups, medications, cotton, and various surgical products were collected during the inspections and sent for testing and analysis, as stated.

In the course of the operation at Bhagirath Palace, one establishment was penalized for selling medical devices and surgical products without a valid license, which constitutes a clear infringement of the Medical Devices Rules. Appropriate measures are being implemented against the offending entity.

Previously, during another enforcement operation, acting on specific intelligence from the Cyber Cell of the Crime Branch, Delhi Police, a combined team of the Drugs Control Department and Delhi Police carried out a late-night raid at a drug trading site in Teliwara, located in Sadar Bazar.

This operation resulted in the discovery and confiscation of a large quantity of counterfeit and spurious medications, including an anti-fungal cream, from one of the drug traders.

During the raid, the site was found to be operating without a valid drug license, and the individual in charge was unable to provide any records of purchase or sales. A physical inspection unveiled large amounts of counterfeit branded topical formulations stored for sale and distribution.

Initial investigations indicated that the confiscated counterfeit medications were being distributed to neighboring states and countries, as reported.

In light of this, the Drugs Control Departments of the involved neighboring states have been formally notified regarding the malpractice for necessary monitoring and collaborative action.

The Health Minister reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Delhi government to stringent regulatory oversight and the protection of public health.

This heightened enforcement initiative will persist across the city to combat the trade of counterfeit, substandard, and illegally sold medications and medical devices, he emphasized.