Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has commended members of the public for providing a crucial tip-off that led to the bust of an illegal medicine manufacturing operation in Zimre Park, Harare.
In a statement, MCAZ said the operation followed a complaint received earlier this year regarding the suspected illegal sale of medicines by a company identified as Organicare.
MCAZ inspectors, working together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), launched investigations which uncovered that the residential premises were allegedly being used for the unlawful manufacture of medicines.
During the raid, officers recovered an assortment of modern manufacturing equipment, including capsule filling machines, blister packing machines and capsule polishing machines.
Investigations further revealed that some of the capsules being distributed to unsuspecting consumers allegedly contained crushed nut shells, commonly known as “mateko” or “makoko enzungu”, and other unverified substances while being marketed using false health claims.
“The suspects were arrested and referred for prosecution,” said MCAZ.
The authority said the latest raid follows another operation conducted earlier this year at the same company’s premises along Jason Moyo Avenue in Harare, where unregistered complementary medicines were confiscated, leading to a conviction.
MCAZ warned members of the public against purchasing medicines from unlicensed premises or unverified sources, saying illegal medicines pose a serious threat to public health and safety.
“The Authority also extends sincere appreciation to the Zimbabwe Republic Police and vigilant members of the public whose cooperation continues to strengthen the fight against counterfeit, substandard, unregistered and illegally manufactured medicines in Zimbabwe,” said MCAZ.
