Staff Reporter
A CONGOLESE national was arrested at his tuckshop in Orwetoveni, Otjiwarongo, on Friday for allegedly selling medicines without a licence and being in possession of suspected stolen state property.
The arrest comes amid widespread complaints about chronic shortages of medicines at State health facilities, which have prompted police to intensify operations against the illegal pharmaceutical trade countrywide.
According to the police weekend crime report, the 40-year-old suspect was arrested during an inspection after officers found a variety of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, along with baby formula, displayed for sale on the shelves of his tuckshop.
He failed to produce a licence or permit to distribute or sell medicines, as required by the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act of 2003 and the Pharmacy Act of 2004.
Police said the suspect could not provide a satisfactory explanation about the source of the medicines. He allegedly admitted to purchasing the baby formula from an unknown man. The total value of the confiscated items is yet to be determined.
The suspect faces three charges, namely: Contravention of the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act 13 of 2003
- Contravention of the Pharmacy Act 9 of 2004
- Possession of suspected stolen state property
The illegal sale of medicines from tuckshops and shebeens, coupled with unexplained shortages of medicines at State health facilities, is a matter of concern across the country.
Police and the Ministry of Health and Social Services have reported an increase in unlicensed outlets stocking antibiotics, painkillers, cough syrups and baby formula suspected to be diverted from state hospitals and clinics.
NamPol has repeatedly urged community members to report suspicious sales of medicines and medical supplies.
Photos: Contributed
