By 
Twenty individuals across the Copperbelt region have been apprehended for allegedly possessing drugs acquired through government and donor-funded channels.
The arrests were made following a raid conducted by the National Task Force in response to reports of widespread pilferage of government medicines and medical supplies.
Rae Hamoonga, the Police Public Relations Officer, revealed that the task force carried out searches on numerous pharmacies in Ndola, Kitwe, Mufulira, Chingola, and Chililabombwe Districts.
Read More: Police arrest company directors for allegedly providing unlicensed architectural services (Video)
“The offenses ranged from operating unregistered pharmacies to the possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property,” Hamoonga said.
Among those arrested was Kelvin Mutale, the owner of Cure Line Health shop.
Similar charges were laid against individuals in Mufulira District, including Vida Mulambo, Kazyoka Zimba, and Moses Phiri, accused of operating unregistered pharmacies and possessing stolen pharmaceuticals.
“In Chingola District, a series of arrests targeted individuals such as Evans Mulenga, Deborah Mumbi, Florence Siziba, and Hendrix Sibonda, all facing charges related to operating unregistered pharmacies and possessing stolen goods,” he said.
Additionally, a crackdown in Kitwe District led to the arrest of individuals operating illegal pharmaceutical operations, including a male juvenile and others such as Mathews Mwale, Harry Kapempe, and Ilunga Musole.
Hamoonga emphasized that all pharmacies captured in the survey report and those randomly searched in Chililabombwe and Kasumbalesa were found to be operating illegally.
A total of 130 pharmacies and drug stores were surveyed, with 62 being searched during the operation.
The arrested individuals were released on police bonds pending court appearances, with their case dockets forwarded to the National Prosecutions Authority for indictment.
Hamoonga urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the distribution or sale of medicines.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments