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Mint
5 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
CCTVs now mandatory in pharmacies to combat drug abuse by children
New Delhi: Pharmacies and chemist shops across the nation will now be required to install CCTV cameras to strengthen efforts against drug and substance abuse by children. The new mandate is a key part of a joint action plan developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD). Their directive urges states and Union Territories to prevent the sale of controlled substances—specifically Schedule H, H1, and X drugs—to minors. Schedule H drugs are those that can be sold only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. Schedule H1 includes specific third and fourth-generation antibiotics, some habit-forming drugs, and anti-TB drugs. Schedule X drugs are those with a high potential for abuse or dependence and include amphetamines, barbiturates, and certain narcotics. The new surveillance measure targets commonly misused medications such as codeine-based cough syrups (Schedule H1) and Alprazolam tablets and Tramadol capsules, which are Schedule X drugs. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics on substance use among minors in India. About 2 million children aged 10-17 were users of sedatives for non-medical purposes, according to the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India conducted in 2018. The survey indicated that about 4 million children in this age group were opioid users, although a breakdown for pharmaceutical opioids was not available. The 2018 data, released by the ministry of social justice and empowerment through the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (AIIMS) remains the latest comprehensive national survey on substance use among Indian children. "It has been advised to stop, prevent and discourage the sale of dual-use medicines without a prescription," an official familiar with the matter said. "During the NCORD meeting, CCTV installation was urged at chemist or pharmacy shops across all states/UTs so that health authorities can verify records." Taking the initiative, the Delhi government's drugs control department issued directives on 22 July to chemist associations within its jurisdiction, asking them not to sell Schedule H, H1, and X drugs to minors without a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. 'Assistant Drugs Controllers/Licensing Authorities and Drugs Inspectors of the Government of NCT of Delhi are now tasked with monitoring and ensuring strict adherence to these new regulations. All Chemist Associations in Delhi have been urged to disseminate this crucial information to their members for immediate compliance,' the Delhi government said. The Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance (RDCA) has circulated the CCTV installation directive to members. However, it has sought clarifications for effective compliance about whether the mandate is a legal requirement under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act or merely an advisory. 'We also need to know if NCB guidelines directly apply to standard retail pharmacies, given their operations fall under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Furthermore, we've asked if additional record-keeping or surveillance protocols are now mandatory. To avoid confusion, the RDCA urges a clear, formal directive, preferably under the Drugs Act, if CCTV installation is compulsory,' the alliance leadership said. They emphasized their commitment to ethical practices and public health, seeking clarity for full compliance.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
Illegal drugs enter higher edu campuses in state
Bhubaneswar: Seizure of drugs and arrest of students point to drug addiction among youths. On Tuesday, an engineering graduate from the city was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for procuring six blots of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) from a trafficking network supplying illegal drugs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After the youth received the courier, the NCB, tracking the consignment, conducted a raid on the youth's house at Maitri Vihar and seized the contraband. In April this year, heroin was seized from two youths near Shiv Temple on the Utkal University campus. It had created a hue and cry on the campus prompting students to urge university authorities to strengthen campus security. Similar cases have been reported from other campuses in the state too. "Drug menace in campuses will give rise to violence and students will become wayward. It is a disturbing trend, and the govt should devise a plan to stop this drug menace," said Malay Tripathy, a prohibitionist. The higher education department has also sensed the problem and asked principals of govt and non-govt aided colleges to create awareness programmes on drug-free campuses. "The growing menace of drug and narcotic substance abuse among youth has emerged as a serious threat to the well-being of individuals and the harmony of our society. Educational institutions, being the foundational spaces for shaping the future of our nation, have a pivotal role to play in fostering a healthy, safe, and drug-free environment," said Ramesh Chandra Behera, deputy secretary of the department, in a letter to principals. The NCB has launched the MANAS (Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System) portal, where any citizen, student, or youth of India can lodge a complaint on the national helpline number 1933 regarding drug use on campus, if any, and also through email and the mobile app, namely 'Umang'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The name of the complainant will be kept confidential. This portal also answers queries about drug-related matters, counselling, and de-addiction centres. Colleges are requested to give wide publicity about the MANAS portal in their institution by conducting awareness programmes," said Behera in the letter. The colleges are asked to create massive awareness among the public as well as students through National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers to take an anti-drug e-pledge on the My Gov Platform. They will also sensitise students about the harmful effects of drugs on individuals and society by conducting sensitisation programmes, debates, essay writing, painting, and rallies.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Drug material seized from closed factory
Navi Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau has seized contraband items worth Rs 89 crore from a Mahad MIDC-based company. A similar operation was conducted in the company a few years ago. The 47kg of narcotic items comprise 34kg of ketamine powder and 13 litres of ketamine liquid. Following a tip-off, the NCB sleuths and the Mahad MIDC police jointly raided the company premises on July 23, leading to the seizure and lodging of the FIR wth the arrest of a few accused. However, both the agencies remain tightlipped about the company and the accused. A Malad (West) resident and three Mahad residents have been made accused so far. Sources have confirmed that the illegal activity went on inside the closed company with the local police remaining clueless. —Umesh K Parida
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Interpol arrests wanted Chinese national in South Africa
The Chinese national was wanted in connection with a fraud case. The Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) in Pretoria handcuffed the man on Tuesday. Picture: Saps A 57-year-old Chinese national, reportedly linked to a case of fraud reported in China, has been arrested in South Africa. The Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) in Pretoria handcuffed the man on Tuesday. Bail Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the man made his first appearance in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. 'His case has been postponed to Friday for a formal a formal bail application.' According to a preliminary report, Interpol circulated a Red Notice to all member countries to locate and provisionally arrest the Chinese national. ALSO READ: Police make breakthrough in Ekurhuleni auditor Mpho Mafole's murder Arrest Van Wyk said wanted persons often flee to another country to evade arrest. 'The suspect reportedly applied for a visa at the United States of America embassy in Sandton when his fugitive status was flagged, leading to his arrest on Tuesday, 22 July 2025. 'The South African Police Service (Saps) continues to record commendable successes in dismantling transnational crime syndicates and arresting international fugitives in the country,' Van Wyk said. Guptas' extradition Meanwhile, in a matter that has been dragging on for years, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) is hoping that the Gupta brothers will soon be in South Africa to face a raft of charges. IDAC is expected to submit a new extradition application for the Gupta brothers to be hauled back to South Africa from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a 'strategic initiative'. State capture South Africa's extradition request to the UAE was rebuffed in April 2023 for flimsy procedural reasons, and without sufficient explanation, after Atul and Rajesh Gupta were quietly let off the hook months before. Rajesh and Atul, friends of former president Jacob Zuma, are accused of using their relationship with the former president to profit financially and influence senior government appointments. They were arrested in the UAE in June 2022 after Interpol placed them on its most wanted list. ALSO READ: Pagad member Faizel Felix rearrested after 8 years on the run
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Chinese fugitive arrested in Sandton after visa application triggers alert
A 57-year-old Chinese fugitive has been arrested in Sandton following a targeted operation by the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) Pretoria, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Extradition Unit. The arrest took place on July 22, after the suspect attempted to apply for a visa at the United States embassy in Sandton. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said law enforcement agencies in South Africa continue to record commendable successes in dismantling transnational crime syndicates and arresting international fugitives in the country. Also read: Woman murdered in Sandton: SAPS urgently search for suspected killer 'According to a preliminary report, Interpol circulated a red notice to all member countries to locate and provisionally arrest the Chinese national.' Van Wyk said that wanted persons often flee to other countries to evade their arrest. 'The suspect reportedly applied for a visa at the United States' consulate in Sandton, when his fugitive status was flagged, leading to his arrest on Tuesday.' The accused man made his first appearance before the Randburg Magistrates' Court on July 23. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
