By Our Reporter
Two Ugandan nationals have been arrested in Zambia for allegedly engaging in the illegal sale of unauthorised medicines falsely advertised as cures for HIV/AIDS and other serious health conditions.
The arrests follow a coordinated operation by the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), in partnership with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) and the Zambia Police Service (ZP).
According to a joint statement by the authorities, the suspects were operating an online network through which they marketed and sold unverified medical products. The operation led to the recovery of a wide range of items, including:
- 69 pre-registered SIM cards
- Six international SIM cards
- Assorted medicinal products
- 85 medicine bottles
- Multiple plastic sachets containing unidentified powdered substances
- Various branding and packaging materials for medications
ZAMRA revealed that the illegal operation posed a serious threat to public health, especially given the false claims that the drugs could cure life-threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS. The unauthorised medicines had not been subjected to any form of clinical testing or regulatory approval in Zambia.
“This is a serious breach of both national and international pharmaceutical regulations,” said a spokesperson for ZAMRA. “The public is urged to avoid purchasing medication from unverified online sources and to report any suspicious activity related to drug sales.”
The authorities emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be prosecuted according to the laws governing drug regulation and cybercrime in Zambia.
ZAMRA also urged the public to remain vigilant and seek medical treatment from certified health institutions and registered pharmacies.
This arrest highlights the growing concern over online platforms being used to distribute counterfeit or unlicensed medication across borders—an issue that has raised alarm among health and cybersecurity officials in the region.
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