According to Delhi Police, a joint raid on a medical store in outer north Delhi’s Pooth Khurd led to the seizure of pregabalin capsules allegedly sold without prescriptions for their intoxicating effects. Deputy Commissioner of Police Shobhit Saxena stated that the September 18 operation at Ambey Pharmacy involved a decoy customer purchasing the medicine using a marked ₹500 note.
Joint Raid Exposes Unlicensed Sales and Expired Drugs in Outer North Delhi
Delhi Police and the Drug Control Department targeted Ambey Pharmacy, located on Pipeline Road near Satguru Dairy, after gathering intelligence regarding the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. According to officials, investigators deployed a decoy customer carrying a ₹500 note to test whether the chemist would dispense pregabalin without requiring a valid medical prescription. The shopkeeper allegedly handed over the capsules, and authorities subsequently recovered the exact currency note during the search.
Officials noted that the establishment was selling the medication to individuals seeking sedative or intoxicating effects at prices higher than normal retail rates. The person operating the premises at the time of the inspection was identified as Akhil, a resident of Daryapur, according to police records. However, official checks revealed that the displayed drug licence was registered in the name of Sagar Rana and carried a validity window ending on May 6, 2026, with no corresponding renewal applications or fee payments on file.
Regulatory Violations and Missing Sale Records at Ambey Pharmacy
During the inspection of the Pooth Khurd facility, drug inspectors uncovered multiple infractions under regulatory standards. According to the Drug Control Department, the store stocked Schedule H and H1 medicines, but lacked mandatory purchase bills, formal sale records, and prescribed registers. Furthermore, authorities recovered a substantial quantity of expired medicines, noting that manufacturing or expiry details on several packets appeared to be deliberately obscured with permanent marker.
Investigators also observed that the store operated without any functional CCTV cameras installed on the premises. When questioned regarding the inventory, the operator claimed that the pharmaceuticals were procured from an individual named Rajesh, who officials stated was not an authorized dealer. Similar enforcement actions have highlighted broader regional compliance challenges; for instance, an inspection by the Amritsar Drug Control Department in Punjab resulted in the sealing of Nahar Medical Store over the unprescribed sale of pregabalin combinations valued at ₹19,912, according to Drugs Control Officer Sukhdeep Singh.
Understanding Pregabalin Regulation and Schedule H1 Status
Pregabalin is a prescription medication prescribed for conditions such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and specific neurological disorders. To curb rising instances of substance misuse, the Centre officially notified its inclusion under Schedule H1 in May. According to regulatory timelines cited in enforcement reports, the stricter legal provisions and controls governing the drug are scheduled to come into full force in November.
Drug Control authorities are continuing to examine the exact licence status, procurement chains, and sales logs associated with the Pooth Khurd pharmacy. Officials confirmed that further legal action will be pursued based on the final findings of the ongoing investigation into the unauthorized distribution of pregabalin and the handling of expired pharmaceuticals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pregabalin used for medically?
Pregabalin is a prescription medication primarily used to treat neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and certain neurological disorders, according to health authorities.
Why was Ambey Pharmacy raided by Delhi Police?
Authorities raided the Pooth Khurd medical store following intelligence reports that pregabalin capsules were being sold without prescriptions to individuals seeking the drug for its intoxicating and sedative effects.
What regulatory changes apply to pregabalin?
The Centre notified the inclusion of pregabalin in Schedule H1, with stricter regulatory provisions and controls taking effect in November.
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