By Staff Reporter
The Medicines control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) recently conducted a raid in Chikangwe area in Karoi seizing expired drugs, unregistered medicines, skin lightening creams and body altering products.
Arrested during the raid were illegal medical sellers in the area.
The blitz is part of the Authority’s enforcement activities which seek to safeguard the public from unregistered medicines which may endanger public health.
“The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Drugs and Narcotics Division, conducted a successful blitz in the Chikangwe area of Karoi, Mashonaland West Province.
The operation was part of the Authority’s continued enforcement activities aimed at identified hotspots where individuals involved in the illegal distribution of unregistered medicines, expired drugs, and other illicit medicinal products conduct their business,” said MCAZ director general Mr Richard Rukwata in a statement.
Mr Rukwata said the products were being sold at unregistered premises, and handled by unlicensed persons.
“The raid led to the discovery of unregistered medicines, expired drugs, and even registered medicines being sold unlawfully. Additionally, skin lightening creams and other body-altering products were recovered. These medicines were being sold from flea market tables, car boot sales among other unauthorised places. All the medicines were also being handled by unlicenced individuals.
“As a result of our joint efforts, suspects were apprehended and handed over to the prosecuting authorities, and all recovered medicines were confiscated,” he said.
Added Mr Rukwata, “The MCAZ remain committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of pharmaceutical products available to the public. Such collaborative actions underscore our dedicated efforts to curb drug and substance abuse across the nation while upholding regulatory standards and safeguarding public health.”
