The National Drug Authority (NDA) has arrested 14 individuals for illegally selling and distributing drugs in the Teso and Elgon sub-regions.
The arrests were part of a targeted intelligence-led enforcement operation aimed at curbing the illegal trade of pharmaceuticals in open markets.
According to NDA Public Relations Officer Abiaz Rwamwiri, the crackdown took place in shift markets across the Teso sub-region, as well as in the eastern parts of Namisindwa and Lwakaka.
“In the eastern side, we arrested five suspects, and today we have just arrested nine more. These individuals were found illegally possessing, selling, and advertising classified medicine in open markets under the scorching sun,” Rwamwiri said.
Rwamwiri emphasized the dangers associated with selling drugs in uncontrolled environments, noting that pharmaceuticals require strict storage conditions to maintain their effectiveness.
“Drugs are very sensitive products that must be kept under regulated temperatures. Where we found these drugs being sold, the temperature was about 38 degrees Celsius. Most of these medicines require storage below 30 degrees, and exposure to such harsh conditions compromises their safety and efficacy,” he explained.
He urged Ugandans to avoid purchasing medicine from hawkers and informal markets.
He highlighted the risks of counterfeit drugs, expired and re-labeled medicines, and pharmaceuticals smuggled into the country.
“These are the sources and conduits of impure drugs that do not meet safety standards. None of the arrested individuals, apart from one, had any medical background, yet they were dispensing drugs without proper knowledge of diagnosis and treatment,” he added.
Among those arrested was Onyunyu Emmanuel, who was found to be an accredited allied health professional but was engaged in unauthorized drug sales.
The suspects apprehended in Namisindwa and Lwakaka are being held at Mbale Central District Police Station, while those arrested in Soroti are detained at Soroti Central Police Station.
Authorities have preferred multiple charges against the suspects.
Those found in possession of government-supplied drugs will be charged with the illegal possession of government stores.
Others will face charges for operating a pharmacy without a license, a violation of the National Drug Authority Act.
Additionally, some individuals were found selling unregistered herbal medicines while making false claims about their ability to cure ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and infections.
These individuals will be charged with the illegal promotion and advertising of drugs.
He has called on the public to only purchase medicine from licensed pharmacies and health facilities.
“If you need medicine, please go to designated premises where you can get a safe product. This ensures that if any problem arises, the NDA can trace the source and take appropriate action,”NDA Arrests 14 Drug Dealers in Teso, Elgon Sub-Regions
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has arrested 14 individuals for illegally selling and distributing drugs in the Teso and Elgon sub-regions.
The arrests were part of a targeted intelligence-led enforcement operation aimed at curbing the illegal trade of pharmaceuticals in open markets.
According to NDA Public Relations Officer Abiaz Rwamwiri, the crackdown took place in shift markets across the Teso sub-region, as well as in the eastern parts of Namisindwa and Lwakaka.
“In the eastern side, we arrested five suspects, and today we have just arrested nine more. These individuals were found illegally possessing, selling, and advertising classified medicine in open markets under the scorching sun,” Rwamwiri said.
Rwamwiri emphasized the dangers associated with selling drugs in uncontrolled environments, noting that pharmaceuticals require strict storage conditions to maintain their effectiveness.
“Drugs are very sensitive products that must be kept under regulated temperatures. Where we found these drugs being sold, the temperature was about 38 degrees Celsius. Most of these medicines require storage below 30 degrees, and exposure to such harsh conditions compromises their safety and efficacy,” he explained.
He urged Ugandans to avoid purchasing medicine from hawkers and informal markets.
He highlighted the risks of counterfeit drugs, expired and re-labeled medicines, and pharmaceuticals smuggled into the country.
“These are the sources and conduits of impure drugs that do not meet safety standards. None of the arrested individuals, apart from one, had any medical background, yet they were dispensing drugs without proper knowledge of diagnosis and treatment,” he added.
Among those arrested was Onyunyu Emmanuel, who was found to be an accredited allied health professional but was engaged in unauthorized drug sales.
The suspects apprehended in Namisindwa and Lwakaka are being held at Mbale Central District Police Station, while those arrested in Soroti are detained at Soroti Central Police Station.
Authorities have preferred multiple charges against the suspects.
Those found in possession of government-supplied drugs will be charged with the illegal possession of government stores.
Others will face charges for operating a pharmacy without a license, a violation of the National Drug Authority Act.
Additionally, some individuals were found selling unregistered herbal medicines while making false claims about their ability to cure ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and infections.
These individuals will be charged with the illegal promotion and advertising of drugs.
He has called on the public to only purchase medicine from licensed pharmacies and health facilities.
“If you need medicine, please go to designated premises where you can get a safe product. This ensures that if any problem arises, the NDA can trace the source and take appropriate action,” Rwamwiri advised. Rwamwiri advised.
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