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 The 2025 annual report of actions initiated by the Telangana Drug Control Administration (DCA) states that the department placed the highest priority on curbing the illegal circulation of habit-forming drugs.
Director general of DCA, Shahnawas Quasim spearheaded several joint operations with the Prohibition and Excise Department to move toward a drug-free state. A major success occurred on June 4, 2025, in the Hayathnagar and Moosarambagh areas, where a racket involving the shipment of 1.2 lakh Alprazolam tablets from Uttar Pradesh was busted. The substances seized in this single operation were valued at approximately Rs. 9.53 lakhs, and investigators identified the operator as an individual with a prior history in spurious drug cases.
Further enforcement actions in 2025 targeted the diversion of codeine phosphate cough syrups, notably during an April 21 strike in Secunderabad that led to the arrest of three individuals. As a direct regulatory consequence of these violations, the DCA cancelled the drug licenses of two medical shops to reinforce the government's stance against the diversion of medicines from licensed channels. To maintain ongoing vigilance, the department conducted 12 unannounced joint inspections at manufacturing units holding licenses for narcotic drugs. These inspections ensured that potent substances like tramadol and codeine were not being diverted for illicit use.
The annual report also highlights the DCA's expanded scope in addressing the global threat of ‘designer drugs’ or new psychoactive substances (NPS). Joint monitoring operations at an industrial unit in 2025 uncovered the production of synthetic psychostimulants intended for export to Europe under the guise of regular chemical products. The DCA identified four specific substances, MDPHP, ethylpentedrone, 2-MMC, and 2-MEC, which are chemically modified analogues with no legitimate medical use. Because these were not yet listed under the NDPS Act of 1985, Shahnawas Quasim proactively proposed including them in the official schedule to prevent future abuse.
To prevent industrial infrastructure from being misused, the DCA utilized data from the Telangana Pollution Control Board to raid units whose operations had been rejected. These raids were specifically designed to ensure that ‘sick industrial units’ were not converted into clandestine drug manufacturing hubs. This initiative demonstrated Telangana's leadership in global drug regulation by stopping dangerous substances at the source. By intercepting these psychostimulants before export, the DCA not only protected local health but also contributed significantly to international drug control efforts.
Protecting consumers from fraudulent health claims was another major pillar of the 2025 report, with 140 cases registered under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act. Enforcement teams seized products like ‘Softamycitin’ eye ointment and ‘Alka-Shot Oral Solution’ for making false claims regarding eye infections and kidney stones. Other seizures included ‘Podapathri Powder’ for diabetes claims and ‘Platcure Syrup’ for rheumatoid arthritis. The DCA also removed products like ‘Nagakesaramulu Choornam’ for sterility claims and ‘Testorex Forte’ for sexual impotence, warning that such misleading ads prevent patients from seeking legitimate medical care.
The department also launched special drives in 2025 to halt the abuse of cardiac stimulants in gyms. On October 17, 2025, an operation in Secunderabad uncovered the illegal stocking of mephentermine sulphate injections at unlicensed premises for use by gym-goers. These raids were a response to police intelligence regarding the cardiovascular risks athletes face when using stimulants without supervision. Additionally, 38 cases were registered against quacks and unauthorized practitioners selling unlicensed drugs, while decoy operations were used to catch retailers selling habit-forming drugs and antibiotics without valid prescriptions.
International collaboration reached new heights in 2025 as the Telangana DCA strengthened its partnership with the US FDA. State inspectors participated as observers in 13 US FDA-led inspections to align their techniques with international standards. This synergy was further solidified during an August 2 visit by US FDA India country director Greg Smith. The DCA’s enforcement measures even gained recognition from the White House, leading to a video conference with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) regarding precursor drug oversight, ensuring Telangana’s pharmaceutical production maintained its global reputation.
By the end of 2025, the DCA had conducted over 28,000 inspections and shared its regulatory expertise with visiting delegations, such as those from Ethiopia. In response to global concerns over cough syrup contaminants, the department issued 34 ‘Stop Production’ orders and implemented mandatory testing for toxic substances like ethylene glycol. These comprehensive initiatives, finalized during a December review with senior US FDA officials, reflect a year of unprecedented activity aimed at safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
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