Sonauli/Nautanwa, Maharajganj:
In a major crackdown against the illegal sale of narcotic and restricted medicines, a joint team of Drug Department officials conducted surprise inspections at several medical stores in Nautanwa and Sonauli on Wednesday. The operation was carried out under the leadership of Gorakhpur Division Assistant Commissioner Sandeep Gupta.

During the raid, officials collected around 18 samples of suspected medicines from eight medical stores for laboratory testing. The team also examined drug licenses, stock registers, purchase and sales records, and compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.

According to officials, several irregularities were detected during the inspection. As a result, action was initiated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act against New Mahavir Medical Store in Nautanwa and Ansari Medical Store, Shubham Medical Store, and Vijay Medical Store in Sonauli. The authorities have also suspended the purchase and sale of medicines at these establishments pending further proceedings.

Assistant Commissioner Sandeep Gupta stated that the drive was launched following directives from higher authorities to curb the illegal distribution of narcotic and unauthorized medicines. He emphasized that strict action would continue against any medical store found violating pharmaceutical regulations.

The inspection team included Drug Inspectors Mukesh Kumar (Basti), Raghvendra (Deoria), Siddheshwar Shukla (Gorakhpur), and Naveen Kumar (Maharajganj), along with other departmental officials.

The sudden enforcement action created a stir among medical store operators in the region, with authorities warning that similar inspections will continue in the future to ensure compliance with drug control laws.