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 organisation’s director general Richard Rukwata said the operation was part of the authority’s continued enforcement activities aimed at identified hotspots.
“These hotspots are 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.
“Additionally, skin-lightening creams and other body-altering products were recovered. These medicines were being sold from flea market tables, and car boot sales among other unauthorised places.
“All the medicines were also being handled by unlicenced individuals.
“As a result of our joint efforts, Â 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.
“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.
Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, The Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (MASCA) [Chapter 15.03]. MCAZ is a successor of the Drugs Control Council (DCC) and the Zimbabwe Regional Drug Control Laboratory (ZRDCL).
DCC was established by an Act of Parliament in 1969: Drugs and Allied Substances Control Act [Chapter 15.03] following which ZRDCL became operational in 1989.
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 and adherence to standards by manufacturers and distributors.
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.
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