UP FSDA Orders Statewide Physical Verification of Wholesale Drug Licences After Crackdown on Bogus Firms

Lucknow, January 7 The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has directed a statewide physical verification of all licensed wholesale drug establishments and warehouses following the detection of several bogus and non-functional firms during recent enforcement action. The move comes amid concerns that some of these firms were allegedly linked to the misuse and illegal circulation of codeine-based cough syrups and other narcotic medicines, officials said on Tuesday. FSDA Commissioner Roshan Jacob has instructed all assistant commissioners (drugs) and drug inspectors across the state to begin the verification drive from February 2026. The decision follows a two-month enforcement campaign carried out by the department, during which authorities found that many licensed wholesale drug firms were either not operating from their registered addresses or were completely non-existent at the locations mentioned in official records. According to officials, the verification exercise aims to ensure that all wholesale drug licensees are functioning strictly in line with the conditions of their licences. Inspection teams will physically verify whether the firms are operating from approved and registered premises. They will also assess whether proper drug storage facilities are available, as required under existing rules, to ensure the safety and quality of medicines being distributed. As part of the inspection, teams will check the presence of a competent person at each licensed establishment. The experience certificates and qualifications of such personnel will be examined to confirm that they meet the prescribed norms. Officials said this step is crucial to ensure accountability and professional handling of medicines at wholesale outlets. The inspection teams will also examine whether drugs are being stored at locations other than the licensed premises. In cases where additional storage facilities or warehouses are being used, officials will verify whether the licensee has obtained a separate and valid warehouse licence. Any violation of licensing conditions will be treated seriously, officials warned. FSDA Commissioner Roshan Jacob said the decision to launch a comprehensive verification drive was taken after repeated violations came to light during recent enforcement operations. “During our enforcement drives, it was found that several licensed firms were not operating from their registered locations. This raises serious concerns and needs to be addressed through strict verification,” she said. In a related move, the FSDA has allowed wholesale drug licensees to voluntarily surrender their licences before the verification drive begins. Officials said such applications will be accepted and processed for cancellation at the competent authority level, providing an opportunity for non-operational or unwilling firms to exit the system in an orderly manner. The department has also instructed drug inspectors to issue public advisories at the district level. These advisories will urge building owners to independently verify whether tenants running wholesale drug businesses on their premises hold valid and active licences. The step is aimed at increasing public awareness and preventing the misuse of residential or commercial spaces for illegal drug storage or trade. Roshan Jacob has directed all field officers to ensure strict compliance with the instructions issued by the department. She emphasized that any violations detected during the verification process will attract action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and other applicable laws. Officials said the statewide verification drive is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, curb illegal drug circulation and ensure that only genuine and compliant firms operate in the wholesale drug supply chain. The move is also seen as part of the state government’s broader efforts to tighten control over the pharmaceutical distribution network and protect public health. UP FSDA Orders Statewide Physical Verification of Wholesale Drug Licences After Crackdown on Bogus Firms The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration has ordered a statewide physical verification of all licensed wholesale drug establishments and warehouses after a recent crackdown exposed several bogus and non-functional firms. The decision follows a two-month enforcement drive in which authorities found that many licence holders were not operating from their registered addresses, raising concerns over the misuse of medicines, including codeine-based cough syrups and narcotic drugs. FSDA Commissioner Roshan Jacob has directed assistant commissioners and drug inspectors to begin the verification process from February 2026. Inspection teams will check whether wholesale drug firms are functioning from approved premises and whether proper drug storage facilities are in place. Officials will also verify the presence of a competent person at each establishment and examine their experience certificates. The teams will further look into whether drugs are being stored at locations other than licensed premises and confirm if separate warehouse licences have been obtained where required. To streamline the process, the FSDA has allowed licence holders to voluntarily surrender their licences before the drive begins. District-level advisories will also be issued, asking building owners to verify the licences of tenants running wholesale drug businesses. Violations will invite strict action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.