Tamil Nadu health minister Ma Subramanian said that action will be taken against drug retailers providing addictive substances without a prescription. He further stated that the health department would actively participate in the state′s anti-drug abuse effort.

He continued that Food safety officials would strictly prohibit the sale and consumption of gutka and pan masala. Additionally, the drug directorate has previously instructed pharmacists to refrain from selling habit-forming medications to customers without a prescription. The government would ensure that these drugs are not conveniently available.

Since May 2013, the Tamil Nadu government has banned the production and sale of tobacco products and taken steps to stop their distribution. He claimed that out of the total of 952 tonnes collected, 152 tonnes had been seized since May 2021. (Times of India, Aug 12, 2022)