Staff Writer
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Criminal Investigations Department (CID), has intensified efforts to curb the illegal sale of pharmaceutical products in Masvingo.
The joint enforcement operation, conducted last week as part of the National Clean-Up Campaign in Masvingo’s Central Business District, resulted in the arrest of more than 10 people, with the cases subsequently referred for prosecution.
MCAZ said the operation was aimed at protecting public health by disrupting the circulation of medicines being sold outside the country’s regulated pharmaceutical supply chain.
“MCAZ, in collaboration with the ZRP CID, conducted an enforcement operation targeting the illegal sale of pharmaceutical products in the Masvingo Central Business District,” the authority said.
“More than 10 arrests were made, and the cases have been referred for prosecution.”
The authority warned members of the public against purchasing medicines from unlicensed and unauthorised sources, saying such products could pose serious risks to public health.
“MCAZ would like to remind the public that medicines obtained from unauthorised sources may be improperly stored, expired, falsified or otherwise fail to meet the required standards for quality, safety and efficacy,” the authority said.
Following the enforcement operation, MCAZ conducted a public awareness and sensitisation campaign in Masvingo, engaging residents on the dangers associated with buying medicines from unlicensed sources.
The authority encouraged members of the public to obtain medicines only from licensed and authorised pharmaceutical outlets.
“MCAZ is committed not only to enforcement, but also to public education and community engagement as key components in preventing the circulation of unsafe and illicit medicines,” the authority said.
The authority said the combined approach was intended to empower consumers to make informed and safer decisions about the medicines they use.
“Protecting medicine safety is a shared responsibility. Know your source and choose safe, quality-assured medicines,” MCAZ said.
The Masvingo operation comes as authorities continue efforts to strengthen enforcement against illicit pharmaceutical trading and safeguard the integrity of Zimbabwe’s medicines supply chain.
