Officials said the seized injections were illegally stocked for sale and were allegedly intended for unauthorised use in dairy cattle, a practice that poses serious animal health risks and contravenes regulatory norms. Oxytocin, while used medically under strict controls, can cause harm when administered without veterinary oversight, particularly when used repeatedly to induce milk release.

The enforcement action was spearheaded by Drugs Inspector A. Srilatha of the Adilabad DCA zone and Sri K. Nagaraju of the II Town Police Station, underscoring coordinated efforts to tackle illegal drug distribution networks that target livestock markets. Authorities disclosed that further investigations are underway to identify and prosecute all individuals involved under applicable laws.

Under India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act, the unauthorised stocking, sale or distribution of oxytocin injections is a punishable offence, with violators facing penalties including up to five years’ imprisonment. The DCA stressed that misuse of veterinary drugs not only jeopardises animal welfare but also presents downstream food safety and public health concerns when drug residues enter the human food chain.