Raipur. In Janjgir–Champa district, the Special Court has handed down stringent punishments in two significant cases related to the storage and handling of medicines without a valid licence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
In the first special case (Drugs) No. 01/2024, the court found accused Manish Puran Vishwas a resident of Jharnepara, Village Tilai guilty of violating Section 18(A) read with Section 28 of the Act, and sentenced him to six months of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 20,000.
In the second special case (Drugs) No. 05/2024, accused Pranav Dutt Pandey a resident of Bilaspur Road, Bhaloda was convicted of violating Sections 18(A) and 18(C) read with Section 28, as well as Section 27(B) (i). He was sentenced to a total of three years and six months of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 1,00,000.
The department clarified that storing or selling medicines without a valid drug licence is a punishable offence. It stated that action against such illegal activities will continue, and appealed to the public to purchase medicines only from licensed shops.
Statewide Anti-Addiction and Tobacco-Control Awareness Campaigns
Under the guidance of the State Government, the Department of Public Health and Family Welfare, and the Controller, Food and Drugs Administration, IEC activities related to de-addiction and tobacco control were conducted across various districts.
At the Government Higher Secondary School in Mahasamund district, students were informed about the Nasha-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and the COTPA Act, 2003, and were administered an oath to remain free from addiction.
During a de-addiction workshop at Mata Shabari College in Bilaspur, experts provided detailed information on the harmful effects of substance abuse, tobacco-control regulations, and healthy lifestyle practices.
These programmes aim to raise awareness among youth and the general public about the adverse consequences of drug and tobacco use, and to ensure adherence to the law.
Strict Enforcement of COTPA, Penal Action Taken
To ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the COTPA Act, 2003, drug inspectors from Mahasamund, Manendragarh–Bharatpur–Chirmiri and Raipur districts carried out special enforcement drives last week under Sections 4 and 6.
Action was taken against shopkeepers selling tobacco near schools and colleges, as well as individuals smoking in public places, resulting in the collection of fines amounting to Rs 18,700.
The department stated that such measures will continue in order to safeguard public health.
