KOCHI: Illegal drug dealers have found a 'safe' method to carry out their business.
With authorities cracking down on the illegal sale of medicines containing sildenafil citrate — an ingredient in aphrodisiacs, black marketers have started door delivery of such drugs, especially in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts.
"Sildenafil citrate is schedule H medicine, which should be given only under prescription. But over-the-counter sales of the drug have been very high, especially in Malappuram district and interior areas of Kozhikode," said G Ashok Kumar, assistant drug controller, Kozhikode.
He said there was dip in over-the-counter sales after the state drugs control department formed a special team. "But there are reports that the offenders now deliver these medicines at home. Unless there is proper and timely tip off, we will not be able to catch the offenders," Kumar said.
Sources said suppliers in Karnataka have been sending these drugs to the state using their network. "They would lure the salesmen in medical stores with perks. These salesmen would direct the customer to the network. Once the deal is struck, they would give the 'customers' these medicine at their place," an official in Malappuram said.
Most customers were NRIs working in the Middle East, the official said. The drugs bought in the state were taken to Gulf countries, where the medicine has been banned.
Officials, recently, had seized a huge quantity of medicines containing sildenafil citrate from Manjeri. A year ago, such drugs were seized from a shop on TD Road in Kochi, officials said. "On questioning, the shop owners said that the transaction is being carried out through home delivery," the official said.
Kerala drug dealers home deliver banned aphrodisiac
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Kerala drug dealers home deliver banned aphrodisiac
