One Bolivian, two Nigerian nationals arrested with drugs

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued an advisory to pharmaceutical manufacturers, importers, and marketing authorization holders to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945 in the promotion and marketing of prescription medicines, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists and similar drugs indicated for obesity and metabolic disorders

The manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs are regulated in the country under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules thereunder through a system of licensing and inspection, an official release from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

Following the directions of Delhi Health and Family Welfare Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, the Delhi Drugs Control Department conducted a special enforcement drive at a wholesale drug market in Delhi to ensure the availability of safe, effective and quality medicines to the public, particularly insulin preparations that require strict cold chain maintenance.

According to the district police, the team of the Operations Unit and local police stations conducted verification drives across the district. During the action, three Nigerian nationals, Matthew Chikwado Onuwa, Paul Onyekachi Ekwenze and Aiyuguhjh Elvis Son of Elvis Osas were deported by PS Uttam Nagar.

The organisation has termed the proposal a matter of serious concern for public health, patient safety, and the national drug regulatory framework.