Kochi: The State Drugs Control Department has taken action against the illegal online sale of medicines. Officials conducted a raid on JJ Medicals in North Paravur after detecting that the firm was selling prescription-only medicines without proper authorisation.

During the inspection, officers found that the establishment had purchased and sold 'MANforce 50', 'MANforce 100' and 'VIGORE 100' online without a doctor’s prescription or valid purchase bills. The department initiated legal proceedings under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, marking the first such case in the state. The seized medicines and related documents were produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, North Paravur.

Health Minister Veena George had earlier written to the Union Health Minister to intervene and prevent the online sale of illegal medicines across states. She had also instructed the Drugs Control Department to take strict action against such violations.

Although no prior reports indicated illegal online drug trade originating from Kerala, suspicion over one firm prompted officers to carry out a detailed probe. A department official accessed the website and placed an online order for prescription drugs without submitting a doctor’s note. The medicines were delivered without any checks, confirming the violation.

The address listed on the website was later found to be fake, complicating the investigation. Following technical tracking, the team located the actual premises and carried out the raid.

The medicines involved fall under Schedule H and are often misused as sexual stimulants. Using such drugs without medical advice can lead to serious health complications. Selling them without a valid prescription is a punishable offence, as it poses a risk to public health.

The inspection was led by Ernakulam Assistant Drugs Controller Santhosh K Mathew, Regional Drugs Inspector Joshi TI, Drugs Inspector (Intelligence Branch) Naveen KR, and Drugs Inspectors Nisha Vincent, Dhanya VS and Anjitha Shaji.