Kochi: The State Drugs Control Department has taken action against an establishment in North Paravur for illegally selling medicines online. The raid targeted JJ Medicals in Poosaripadi, where authorities found Schedule H medicines being sold without a doctor’s prescription and without a proper purchase bill.

Officials said this marks the first time in Kerala that legal action has been taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, against an establishment for selling medicines online illegally. The recovered medicines and associated documents have been submitted to the North Paravur Judicial First Class Magistrate Court.

During an investigation, a department officer placed an online order for the medicines without a prescription, and the company dispatched them without any checks. The establishment had listed a fake address online, complicating efforts to locate it. After a detailed probe, authorities traced and raided the premises.

The inspection was led by Ernakulam Assistant Drugs Controller Santosh K Mathew in coordination with the State Drugs Controller.

Officials emphasised that selling Schedule H drugs, a class of medication which requires doctor’s prescription, poses major health risks and constitutes a serious offence.