Himachal: Chemists instructed not to sell banned medicines to minors

Himachal Pradesh: Solan Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh today urged chemists not to sell banned drugs to people below the age of 18 under any circumstances. Addressing members of the local chemist association, Singh urged them to ensure a complete ban on the distribution of synthetic drugs and banned drugs. In the meeting, around 20 retail chemists of Solan were made aware of the debilitating effects of such drugs and how their consumption has become a serious threat to today’s young generation. “Their increasing availability promotes addiction and crime among the youth,” the SP said. He stressed on collaborative efforts between the police and chemists to prevent illegal sales. “This partnership is not limited to legal compliance but underlines the need for a collective effort under social responsibility,” the SP said. Highlighting the ill-effects of consuming synthetic drugs and banned drugs, the SP said, “Synthetic drugs are chemicals that are prepared in the laboratory rather than being naturally produced. These adversely affect the mental and physical health of the consumer, as well as promote crime, promote drug addiction among youth and weaken family stability.” During this, chemists were also made aware about how drug addicts can make fake medicines and try to buy banned medicines from medical stores. They were requested to share any information on this subject and feel free to seek the help of the police in eradicating this evil so that a healthy and drug-free society can be established. The SP said that chemists can give information about anti-social elements by calling 76509-95001. Drug sellers were suggested to install CCTV cameras at appropriate places in their shops so that employees and visitors can be monitored and unauthorized sale of banned drugs can be prevented.