Punjab drug crackdown intensifies as the Bhagwant Mann government seizes medicines worth ₹20.64 crore and suspends 520 chemists’ licences.

The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government has stepped up its campaign against violations of drug laws, seizing medicines worth ₹20.64 crore and suspending the licences of 520 chemists between April 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. The Food and Drugs Administration’s Drugs Wing also cancelled the licences of 22 chemists for violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs Rules, 1945.

As part of the Punjab drug crackdown, authorities conducted 16,788 inspections of licensed and unlicensed establishments during the review period. The action aims to strengthen regulatory enforcement, prevent the misuse of medicines and ensure compliance with drug-related laws across the state.

16,788 Inspections Conducted Across Punjab

According to the state government, the inspections resulted in the seizure of medicines valued at ₹20.64 crore from 214 licensed and unlicensed firms. The authorities also initiated legal proceedings against those found violating the rules.

During the same period, 54 court cases were instituted against defaulters. Of these, 35 cases resulted in convictions along with fines, while 650 cases are currently under trial in various district courts across Punjab.

The government has stated that inspections are being conducted regularly under the directions of Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh. The objective is to improve compliance, curb the improper sale of medicines and prevent pharmaceutical products from being misused.

The Punjab drug crackdown is focused on identifying violations and taking action against establishments that fail to follow the prescribed legal requirements.

Pregabalin to Come Under Schedule H1 from November 12

In another important development, the Government of India has included Pregabalin under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, through notification G.S.R. 377(E), dated May 13, 2026. The new provision is scheduled to come into force on November 12, 2026.

Pregabalin was not previously covered under any Schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, or the Drugs Rules, 1945, according to the information provided by the Punjab Government.

The state government had repeatedly approached the Centre through official communications, seeking regulatory measures to address the misuse of the medicine. The inclusion of Pregabalin under Schedule H1 is expected to bring it under stricter regulatory controls once the provision takes effect.

The move forms part of broader efforts linked to the Punjab drug crackdown, particularly in relation to medicines that may be misused for intoxicating effects.

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Punjab Raises Concerns Over Online Medicine Sales

The Punjab Government has also expressed concern over the lack of a clear regulatory framework governing the online sale of medicines through e-pharmacies.

According to the state government, medicines that carry a risk of misuse remain accessible through online channels, creating difficulties for authorities attempting to control the improper use of habit-forming drugs.

Punjab has restricted the stocking for sale of eight types of drug formulations within the state. However, the government maintains that the absence of comprehensive rules governing online medicine sales continues to present enforcement challenges.

The state has taken up the issue with the Union Health Minister, seeking intervention to address regulatory gaps and strengthen controls over the online availability of medicines.

Government Flags Differences in Medicine Prices

Apart from enforcement against drug-law violations, the Punjab Government has raised concerns about high medicine prices and differences in the prices charged by various manufacturers for products containing the same active pharmaceutical ingredient, commonly known as the salt.

The state government has argued that such price variations create concerns about affordability and access to essential medicines. It has also pointed to the need for stronger measures to address pricing-related issues.

According to the government’s statement, effective action on the matter had remained limited until the recent intervention and directions of the Supreme Court of India.

Mann Government Reiterates Commitment to Public Health

The Bhagwant Mann Government has reiterated that it will continue taking measures to protect public health and strengthen the enforcement of drug laws. Regular inspections, legal proceedings and regulatory interventions remain central to its approach.

With thousands of inspections conducted and significant quantities of medicines seized, the Punjab drug crackdown highlights the state’s ongoing efforts to hold violators accountable and prevent the misuse of pharmaceutical products.

The government has also stressed the importance of coordination with the Centre to address issues involving online medicine sales, potentially misused drugs and medicine pricing. These measures are aimed at strengthening oversight and improving public access to medicines within a more accountable regulatory system.

The Punjab drug crackdown is expected to remain a key part of the state’s efforts to enforce drug regulations and address public health concerns.