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Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has confiscated bottles of the illegal cough syrups BronCleer and Adco-Salterpyn during a raid with police arresting the peddlers.
The confiscation follows the recent revoking of six permits for wholesale dealers and cancellation of operating licences for four entities as authorities get tough with errant industry players who are alleged to be aiding drug and substance abuse by selling banned products or selling prescription drugs over the counter.
Government has also established a National Committee to combat drug and substance abuse and the committee has listed the requirements for effective response.
These are the supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, psycho-social support and community re-integration, media and information pillars.
These moves come as Government and authorities begin to take practical steps to curb drug and substance abuse especially by those partaking in the peddling and commercialisation of drugs that are threatening to ravage the societal fabric through abuse by youths.
MCAZ announced the confiscation of drugs in a statement.
“After an anonymous tip-off, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has successfully confiscated a total of 450 bottles of the illegal cough syrups BronCleer and Adco-Salterpyn during a raid conducted at Old Trafford flats located at 13 Edmond Avenue, Belvedere, Harare yesterday.
“This significant seizure is part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to combat drug and substance abuse as well as the illegal distribution and misuse of pharmaceutical products within the country.
“During the operation, MCAZ inspectors working with officers from the CID Drugs and Narcotics, discovered and seized 350 bottles of BronCleer cough syrup and 100 bottles of Adco-Salterpyn syrup.
“BronCleer and Adco-Salterpyn Syrup are opioids containing cough syrups which are not registered in Zimbabwe.
“Opioids are considered dangerous drugs and these cough syrups are being abused by opioid drug addicts.
“Its misuse poses serious health risks and can lead to various complications if not used under proper medical supervision,” said the MCAZ.
MCAZ said it remains committed to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only authorised and regulated medicines are available on the market.
It urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to drug and substance abuse and distribution or sale of unregulated pharmaceutical products.
People in Harare commended the concerted efforts to end drugs and substance abuse by the Government.
“It should be difficult to find drugs in the market, those selling should know the dangers associated with being found in possession of drugs,” Mr Moses Mapuranga.
“So, to arrest those found in possession is a good move. We must deal with consumers and suppliers as well.”
Ms Bertha Nyasoka said: “If we see more arrests especially from the suppliers’ side, I think it will be a good lesson for those would be offenders. The consumers should also be arrested.”
Ms Sandra Chikomo said: “Those who take drugs know the place where they are readily available and there are people known in some communities as drug peddlers.
“Such nonsense should stop. People should co-operate with police to have these people arrested and end this drug abuse menace.”
Online Reporter