India, July 15 -- The health department's drugs control department has begun cracking down on pharmacies outside its hospitals to curb illegal drug sellers and the circulation of counterfeit medicines, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The drugs control department's recently-established drugs intelligence cell raided two premises in central Delhi on Friday, seizing large quantities of unlicensed medical devices and drugs, said officials, requesting anonymity.

"Acting on a tip, a team of drugs inspectors conducted two raids. The first raid was conducted at a dental supplier medical establishment in Daryaganj. The establishment was stocking a range of medical devices including syringes and catheters and certain drugs includi...