New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- The Punjab government says it seized medicines worth Rs.20.64 crore and suspended 520 chemists' licences during an 18-month enforcement drive targeting drug-law violations. The Drugs Wing of the Food and Drugs Administration conducted 16,788 inspections from April 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, according to a government release.

The action covered 214 licensed and unlicensed firms under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs Rules, 1945. Authorities also cancelled 22 chemists' licences. Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh directed regular inspections to strengthen compliance and curb medicine misuse, the release said.

The state reported that 54 court cases were instituted against violators. T...