Counterfeit Drugs Seized in Kenya
Counterfeit Drugs Seized in Kenya
| Products counterfeited: | Hypertension and diabetes medicines | Lot numbers: | N/A |
| Countries known affected: | Kenya | Investigating agency contact: | The Nation |
| Manufacturers information: | The Economic Times | Posted on/updated: | August 2009 |
What: Counterfeit and expired drugs were seized in the Kenyan town of Eldoret on July 30, 2009. Kenyan officials noted that some of the seized drugs were counterfeit versions of medicines to treat hypertension and diabetes.
When: July 30, 2009
Where: Eldoret, Kenya
How: Inspectors for the Pharmacy and Poisons Board found some of the illegal, expired and counterfeit drugs in a private pharmacy, some displayed on shelves and meant to be distributed to public health facilities.
Additional details:
The Nation reported on July 30, 2009 that counterfeit and expired drugs were seized in the Kenyan town of Eldoret. One suspect was arrested, though no details were made about the suspect’s charges.
In addition to the counterfeit drugs, some of the seized drugs were expired by nearly 10 years and others had been banned but were still displayed on shelves. According to Peter Adoki, a regional drug inspector, most of the seized drugs were “fast-moving” as they were meant to treat chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Tranquilizers and contraceptive pills were also impounded and many of the drugs were destined for distribution at public health facilities.
According to Adoki, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board was in the process of setting up a web site to help patients learn to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit drugs. Adoki noted that patients with hypertension, diabetes and ulcers “would be able to know the right drugs after setting up the web site.”
Adoki said that the crackdown on illegal drugs would continue and warned patients to be more careful when buying medications.
The confiscated drugs were taken into police custody and the unnamed suspect will be arraigned.
On July 6, 2009, the Economic Times reported that the Kenyan government seized two containers of counterfeit medicines shipped from Shanghai, China which were falsely labeled as having been manufactured in Kenya. A shipment of counterfeit drugs was originally tracked from China to Nigeria where they were thought to have been contained.
In early 2009, Kenya published the Anti-Counterfeit Act of 2008 that created an Anti-Counterfeit Agency to combat counterfeiting and trade in counterfeit goods. The law also extends to counterfeit medications, which are among the most counterfeited items. Stiff fines and prison terms for those caught trading in counterfeits extends up to 15 years.
Related resources:
“Fake and expired drugs seized,” The Nation. July 30, 2009.
“Fake drugs reach Kenya now,” Economic Times. July 6, 2009.
“Policing key for new fakes law,” The Nation. February 28, 2009.