Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 19 2009:
Actifed tablets worth Rs 2.78 lakhs were seized by volunteers of AMADA when the tablets were being taken to Imphal without permission of the agent concerned.
The tablets were being brought to Imphal from Delhi through ASL Courier located at Thangal Bazar by aeroplane.
The consignment was addressed to one Md Riyamuddin Khan, Lilong Medical Store, c/o Raghubir, Alu Gali, Imphal.
Producing the seized tablets before media persons at its office today, AMADA asked Md Riyamuddin Khan to come to its office by March 21 for a solution.
Speaking to media persons, AMADA Drive Committee secretary E Debeshwar said that AMADA volunteers have been keeping a close vigil following information that some people have been trying to bring large consignments of Actifed to Imphal without permission of the agent concerned.
Actifed tablets, manufactured by Glaxo Smith Kline and used for treating cough and cold are being used as an intoxicating substance by some youths in the State, he said.
Following specific information, AMADA volunteers checked at the office ASL Courier at Thangal Bazar on March 16 during which Actifed tablets worth around Rs three lakhs were seized.
The total number of tablets is 9277.Although it costs Rs 6.40 per strip in pharmacies, it is often sold at Rs 30 per strip in black markets, he said.
Quoting the Manipur Chemists and Druggists' Association, Debeshwar said that it has been more than 5/6 months since the manufacturer stopped sending Actifed tablets to Manipur.
Moreover, the drug cannot be transported without without permission of the agent concerned, he added.
He further said that AMADA has banned sale and purchase of the tablet withou permission of the agents and doctors.