DCO intercepts illegal consignment of Tapentadol tablets

Jammu, Aug 06: In a major crackdown on the illegal trafficking of pharmaceutical drugs, the Drugs Control Organisation, Jammu and Kashmir, has intercepted and confiscated a consignment of 4,400 Tapentadol tablets that were being illicitly transported through a private courier service in Jammu.A statement issued here said that acting on specific intelligence and routine surveillance of courier networks, Drugs Control Officers, under the supervision of Assistant Drugs Controller (HQ) J&K Pankaj Malhotra, conducted a targeted inspection at a local courier facility. During the inspection, a suspicious parcel was identified and opened in the presence of authorised personnel. The team recovered 4,400 tablets of Tapentadol 100 mg (TD NERV-100), a centrally acting opioid analgesic often misused for intoxication. The tablets were concealed and lacked valid documentation. The team immediately seized the consignment on the spot using Form-16 under provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Preliminary investigations indicate that the consignment originated from a neighbouring state and was intended for illegal sale in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities are verifying consignee details and continuing efforts to trace the parcel’s origin and intended destination, with further legal action likely under the relevant provisions of the Act. State Drugs Controller, Lotika Khajuria, reiterated the Government of J&K’s commitment to eliminating illegal drug trafficking. She stated that surveillance on courier services, transport agencies and pharmaceutical distribution channels has been intensified, and strict action will be taken against violators in accordance with the law.