Srinagar, Jan 06: Jammu & Kashmir’s Drug Control Department and Excise officials have foiled an illegal import of medical abortion kits at Srinagar Airport while further investigation has been taken up, officials said.
Officials said acting on crucial intelligence, a joint team of the Drug Control Department and State Tax Department Central Enforcement Srinagar (Airport), successfully intercepted a consignment of illegal abortifacient kits at the airport cargo building on January 3, 2024.
An official said that based on specific information, a joint team of officials conducted a thorough inspection of parcels arriving at the airport.
“Their vigilance paid off when they identified a suspicious package containing abortificent kits, estimated to be worth more than Rs. 3 lakh. The consignment was immediately seized and secured,” the officials said.
Nighat Shah, Deputy Drugs Controller, Drug and Food Control Organization Kashmir said the timely intervention has prevented the illegal circulation of these sensitive medicines within the Union Territory.
“Abortificent 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,” she said.
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,” she said.
Nighat stated that the 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.
“We are 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 has appealed public to be vigilant and report any suspected instances of illegal drug activity to the nearest authorities.
