The officials found that 11 shops had appointed unqualified pharmacists and four shops were selling expired drugs and some of them were not maintaining sales registers properly, violating the rules under Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

VIJAYAWADA: A surprise check was conducted on 22 medical shops in Vijayawada by the sleuths of Vigilance and Enforcement department (V & E), along with officials of Drugs Control Administration (DCA) found severe discrepancies and violations of law. Show cause notices have been served to 11 shops and criminal proceedings have been initiated against four others, for not complying with rules.

The raid was conducted in various shops on Eluru Road, Nakkal Road, and Poranki by a team of officials that was led by DSP R Vijay Paul of Vigilance and Enforcement department and drug inspectors Babu Naik, Sambasiva Rao and Bhanu. Vigilance SP M Ravindranath also took part in the raids

The officials found that 11 shops had appointed unqualified pharmacists and four shops were selling ‘expired’ drugs and some of them were not maintaining sales registers properly, violating the rules under Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

According to the official's notices have served on the shopkeepers seeking explanation within three days and action will be taken after receiving the reply.

DSP R Vijay Paul told Indian Express, “Show-cause notices were served on all the shops that failed to follow rules and explanations, to be given within three days, were sought from them. After receiving their replies, action will be taken as per the law.”

He also added criminal cases would be initiated against the owners of four shops who were selling expired medicines.