BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Drugs and Narcotics Division, on Wednesday raided unlicensed shops dealing in medicines and other pharmaceutical products in Caledonia, Harare.
During the raid at Gazebo area close to Old Tafara, six unlicensed shops were inspected, leading to the discovery of unregistered medicines, expired drugs, and registered medicines being sold unlawfully.
In a statement, Richard Rukwata, MCAZ Director – General, said all the shops were manned by unlicenced individuals and a result, six suspects were apprehended, including one supplier of the pharmaceutical products.
“Some of the medicines recovered include anti-biotics, anti-seizure drugs (anti-epileptic drugs), anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-diabetes drugs, antidepressants, cough syrups, analgesics, for example paracetamol and aspirin.
“Resultantly, all the discovered medicines were confiscated by the police and the suspects are now in the hands of the police and assisting with investigations,” he said.
Rukwata further revealed that along with the ZRP, they remain committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of pharmaceutical products available to the public.
“Such collaborative actions underscore our dedication to upholding regulatory standards and safeguarding public health.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical activities to the authorities. Together, we can combat the distribution of unregistered and expired medicines, promoting a safer environment for all Zimbabweans,” he added.
MCAZ is responsible for protecting public and animal health by ensuring that accessible medicines and allied substances and medical devices are safe, effective and of good quality through enforcement of adherence to standards by manufacturers and distributors.
It is further added that the mandate of MCAZ is to protect public health ensuring that medicines and medical devices on the market are safe, effective, and of good quality.
