dyton mupawaenda
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
MEDICINES Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) in collaboration with the ZRP drugs and narcotics division recently conducted a successful drug blitz in the Chikangwe area of Karoi in Mashonaland West unearthing uregistered medicines and expired drugs being sold on the streets.
The operation was part of the authority’s continued enforcement aimed at identified hotspots where individuals involved in the illegal distribution of unregistered medicines, expired drugs and other illicit medicinal products conduct their business.
The raid led to the discovery of unregistered medicines, expired drugs, and even registered medicines being sold unlawfully. Banned skin-lightening creams and other body-altering products were recovered.
In a statement, director–general of MCAZ Mr Richard Rukwata said these medicines and products were being sold from flea market tables and car boots, among other unauthorised places.
“All the medicines were 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.
“The MCAZ remains 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,” Mr Rukwata said.
The MCAZ wants 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,” Mr Rukwata said.
MCAZ is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, The Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act and it is a successor of the Drugs Control Council and the Zimbabwe Regional Drug Control Laboratory (ZRDCL).
The authority 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 and adherence to standards by manufacturers and distributors.
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