Telangana Drug Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Oxytocin Sales at Patancheru Feed Shops

Authorities in Telangana have intensified their enforcement action against the illegal distribution of Oxytocin injections, conducting targeted raids at cattle feed establishments in Patancheru on consecutive days this week.

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration launched the operations following intelligence reports regarding the clandestine stockpiling of Oxytocin injection vials at retail outlets. The hormone is commonly misused to artificially stimulate milk yields in dairy cattle.

During inspections at Sri Renuka Cattle Feed, located near Pati X Road, officials confiscated 40 unlabeled vials measuring 200 ml each from proprietor R. Saikrishna Goud. A subsequent search of Lakshmi Krishna Cattle Feed in Chaitanya Nagar Colony, operated by Mailaram Sairam, resulted in the seizure of 120 bottles with a capacity of 250 ml.

Health Risks and Legal Implications

Regulatory officials have emphasized the substantial public health dangers posed by Oxytocin misuse in dairy operations. The hormone's administration to cattle causes considerable physiological damage to the animals themselves while compromising the safety of milk for human consumption.

Consumption of milk derived from treated animals presents multiple health hazards across different demographics. Children who ingest such milk face the risk of premature physical development and disrupted hormonal function. Adult consumers may experience vision deterioration, while pregnant women confront elevated miscarriage risks. Men exposed to contaminated milk may suffer reproductive complications.

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act classifies the unauthorized possession or commercial sale of Oxytocin injections as a serious criminal offense. Individuals found guilty of such violations face potential imprisonment extending up to five years.

Officials collected samples during the raids for forensic examination at authorized laboratories. K. Das, Deputy Director of the Nizamabad DCA office, and P. Ramu, Assistant Director in Patancheru, oversaw the enforcement operations. Drug Inspectors M. Chandrasekhar, M. Varaprasad, N. Ravikiran Reddy, and T. Praveen Kumar executed the field investigations.

DCA Director General Avinash Mohanty confirmed that prosecutorial proceedings will commence against the implicated individuals.