Karnal, July 3: Taking serious note of reports regarding the potential misuse of anabolic steroids by candidates—aiming to build muscle and gain an unfair advantage in physical efficiency tests during the ongoing police recruitment drive in Haryana—a special decoy operation was conducted in Karnal district. This initiative was carried out under the directives of Manoj Kumar, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Haryana, and Ripen Mehta, State Drugs Controller.
The operation was jointly led by Drug Control Officers Ritu Mehla (Karnal-2) and Vikas Rathi (Karnal-1). Surprise inspections were conducted at 17 medical stores across Karnal, Nilokheri, and Taraori using government decoys (undercover customers) to effectively curb the illegal sale of anabolic steroids without a medical prescription.
Key Findings of the Operation
Instances of anabolic steroids being sold to decoy customers without a valid medical prescription were detected at two medical stores: M/s Jatin Medicos (Hansi Road Chowk, Karnal) and Kanhaiya Med Store (Valmiki Mohalla, Taraori). The illegal sale of 'Deca-Durabolin' injections was caught at Jatin Medicos. During the inspection, the firm failed to produce valid records of purchase and sale.
Suspicious stocks of anabolic steroids were found at two other establishments—Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (Karnal) and Abhi Medi Point (Jeevan Nagar, Karnal)—during the inspection. Both establishments failed to produce valid records regarding the purchase and sale of these medicines.
Objective of the Operation
According to the department, this operation is not limited merely to investigating rule violations; it also aims to curb the rising misuse of anabolic steroids by youth seeking to enhance their performance in various competitive physical tests, including police recruitment. ...is a significant initiative in this direction. Consuming these drugs without medical advice can lead to severe and lasting adverse effects on hormonal balance, the heart, the liver, the kidneys, and mental health.
**Strict Warning from the Department**
The Drug Control Department has clarified that the sale of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner, maintaining stocks without proper records, or failing to keep lawful records of drug transactions constitutes a serious legal violation. Strict legal action is being taken under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act against the four establishments where irregularities were detected.
The Department stated that covert decoy operations, surprise inspections, and special enforcement drives will continue across the state to take action against those who jeopardize the health of the youth. The illegal sale of banned or prescription-only drugs will not be tolerated under any circumstances.