CCTV report exposes illegal sales of veterinary prescription drugs

A recent report from China Central Television shed light on the underground sales of prescription-only veterinary medicines, finding that, in some cities, the drugs can be found on store shelves and used recreationally.

Xylazine hydrochloride is one example. The psychotropic substance is classified as a prescription-only drug for veterinary use, making it subject to stringent controls throughout its sale and use. However, its unrestricted circulation and unique pharmacological effects have drawn the attention of lawbreakers who take, traffic in, or manufacture drugs, China Central Television financial news reported on Sunday night.

According to regulations from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security, veterinary narcotic drugs and veterinary psychotropic substances shall be managed as veterinary prescription-only medicines. Online sales and commercial advertising of these products are prohibited, and obtaining such substances for human consumption under the pretext of veterinary use is illegal.

Nevertheless, those drugs can be easily bought at several stores in Changchun of Jilin province, Shenyang of Liaoning province, and Shijiazhuang of Hebei province.

During conversations with CCTV reporters, staff members stated that prices for such drugs had "risen steadily" because of tight State-imposed regulations.

Such drugs are also accessible via e-commerce channels without handing over a prescription.

On Monday, Shijiazhuang issued a notice saying that it had set up a joint investigation team for the stores, and confirmed that eight veterinary pharmacies were suspected of illegally selling the drugs. At present, authorities have opened cases into the alleged illegal acts in accordance with the law.

The notice said the city would draw lessons from this incident, conduct a comprehensive city-wide screening, and launch a special rectification campaign to severely crack down on illegal activities.

The same day, Shenyang's Yuhong district also released a notice saying that it had conducted on‑site inspections and disposal work. The involved drugs and business account books of the two implicated pharmacies were sealed, and cases have been filed for investigation in accordance with the law. Any illegal business activity will be resolutely investigated and punished with zero tolerance, it said.