Srinagar- A large consignment of drugs worth 3.50 lakh rupees used to ‘abort’ fetuses illegally was seized at the Srinagar Airport on Saturday, officials said.
The seizure, according to the Assistant Drug Controller Kashmir, Nighat Jabeen, was made on a tip off about the illicit importation of drugs used for terminating fetuses ‘illegally’ into the Kashmir valley.
Speaking to the media here, Jabeen said the shipment, worth Rs. 3.50 lakh, was sized at the Srinagar airport by the Drug Control Department Kashmir. She said the department seized several such consignments in the past as well.
“The drugs worth 3.5 lakh rupees used to terminate fetuses were seized at the Srinagar Airport by the joint team of Drug Control Kashmir and Excise Departments. A thorough investigation has been taken up to unmask those who pumped these drugs into Kashmir illegally,” said Jabeen.
Elaborating, Jabeen said some individuals—who have not yet been identified—had actually ordered the 765 kits of Mifepristone Tablets and IP and Misoprostol IP using fictitious licenses.
“Their identity is being ascertained as investigation into the instant case is on. We have seized many such consignments in past as well. Actually smugglers using licenses of bonafide pharmaceutical distributors carryout these illegal activities,” she added.
These drugs, she said, are misused to abort fetuses. Smugglers either use fictitious licenses or misuse licenses of legitimate distributors to import these drugs into the valley.
Regarding online sale of drugs in Kashmir, she said the department forbids drug online sales in Kashmir and that they promptly take legal action upon becoming aware of any such incidence.
In response to another question on the role of drug dealers in distributing drugs used to abort fetuses, she replied, “Drug dealers and distributors have no involvement whatsoever in the process. Importing these pharmaceuticals into the valley is really encouraged by certain anonymous people using fictitious licenses or licenses of the bonafide pharmaceutical distributors.
“This timely intervention has prevented the illegal circulation of these sensitive medicines within the Union Territory,” Deputy Drugs Controller, Kashmir said.
Abortifacient kits are prescription drugs requiring specialized medical supervision for safe and responsible use. Unauthorized possession and sale of these drugs pose serious health risks to women and undermine established medical protocols.
The seized consignment is currently under investigation, and efforts are underway to identify the sender and intended recipient. Legal action will be initiated against all parties involved, as per the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
“This operation highlights the effective collaboration between the Drug Control Department and the Excise Department in safeguarding public health from the dangers of illegal drug trafficking,” Nighat Shah further emphasized.
“We remain committed to cracking down on such illegal activities and ensuring the safe and ethical distribution of all drugs within the Union Territory,” she added
The Drug Control Department urges the public to be vigilant and report any suspected instances of illegal drug activity to the nearest authorities. By working together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for all citizens.
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