The Drug Licence Authority of Himachal Pradesh has revoked the narcotic drug licence of Smilax Pharma Company following the firm’s failure to respond to a notice. A similar notice has been issued to Biogenetic Company, another unit of the same entity, warning of potential licence cancellation in the absence of a prompt response.
The department’s action comes in the wake of a recent raid conducted by the Narcotics Cell and a special task force team of Punjab at Smilax Pharma Company’s premises in Baddi where banned drugs were discovered along with tramadol and codeine, a substance often associated for intoxication.
Codeine, one of the substances found, is utilised in cough syrup and requires meticulous record-keeping regarding its usage and production details over an extended period. Upon investigation, a team from the Himachal State Drug Controller’s office found that while Smilax Pharma Company possessed a manufacturing licence for the drug, it failed to adhere to the necessary protocols for its sale.
Despite being issued a notice and given a three-day deadline to respond, the company remained non-responsive, prompting the Drug Licence Authority to cancel its narcotic drug manufacturing license.
Manish Kapoor, the State Drug Controller, said an inquiry under the Drug and Cosmetic Act has been initiated against Smilax Pharma Company. Further action would be taken against the company based on the findings of the investigation, he said.
