Jinan Zhuocheng Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.

On August 23, 2026, CCTV Finance reported widespread irregularities involving the sale of veterinary prescription drugs without prescriptions in several regions across China. The investigation also revealed that certain controlled veterinary drugs had allegedly been diverted for illicit purposes, including the production of drug-laced e-cigarettes. Following the report, authorities in several cities launched investigations and sealed relevant drugs, sales records and other evidence.

According to the report, although China has strict regulations governing the sale and use of veterinary prescription drugs, violations remain in some local markets and livestock farms. Journalists found that certain veterinary pharmacies allowed customers to purchase prescription-only veterinary medicines without providing a veterinary prescription. Similar issues were also identified on e-commerce platforms.

In Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, investigators found that several veterinary drug stores in Chang'an District and Pingshan County were selling prescription veterinary medicines without requiring prescriptions. Some livestock farmers reportedly said they had never used veterinary prescriptions and instead relied on personal experience to determine dosage, in some cases exceeding the recommended dosage stated on product labels.

On August 24, the Shijiazhuang authorities announced that a joint investigation team involving the agricultural and rural affairs, market regulation and public security departments had been established. Preliminary investigations found that eight veterinary drug stores were suspected of illegally selling prescription veterinary medicines without veterinary prescriptions. The agricultural authorities have initiated formal investigations into the businesses.

Authorities said they will conduct a citywide inspection and special enforcement campaign to crack down on the illegal sale, purchase and use of prescription veterinary medicines without proper prescriptions.

Similar violations were reported in Feicheng, Shandong Province. Following the CCTV report, local authorities immediately launched an overnight inspection of two veterinary drug stores and several livestock farms. Relevant purchase and sales records and retained prescription documents were sealed, and investigations were initiated. A citywide inspection of veterinary drug stores and livestock farms is also underway.

The CCTV investigation also highlighted concerns surrounding xylazine hydrochloride and related veterinary preparations, which are classified as controlled veterinary psychotropic medicines and are subject to prescription management. Investigators found that certain veterinary pharmacies were still selling these products without prescriptions.

On August 24, authorities in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, announced that they had conducted on-site inspections of two veterinary drug stores. Relevant drugs and business records were sealed, and formal investigations were launched. Authorities stated that they would carry out a comprehensive campaign targeting controlled veterinary medicines and strengthen supervision of the veterinary drug market.

The report further revealed that certain veterinary anesthetic products have allegedly been diverted for illicit drug production. According to the investigation, criminals have attempted to extract controlled substances from veterinary anesthetics and add them to e-cigarette liquids to produce illicit psychoactive products.

Experts interviewed by CCTV warned that the misuse of veterinary controlled medicines for human consumption can pose serious risks to public health and may cause severe damage to the central nervous system. Chinese authorities have continued to expand the list of controlled non-medical narcotic and psychotropic substances in response to emerging forms of drug abuse.

Stronger Compliance Is Becoming Essential

The latest investigation once again highlights the importance of strict prescription management, traceability, standardized sales practices and responsible veterinary drug use.

For veterinary drug manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies and livestock producers, compliance with prescription requirements and proper record-keeping is becoming increasingly important. The tightening regulatory environment also reinforces the need for a transparent and traceable veterinary pharmaceutical supply chain.

For the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, standardized production, compliant distribution and responsible drug use are no longer optional—they are becoming essential to sustainable industry development.