Officials from the National Drug Authority have seized a consignment of suspected counterfeit human and veterinary medicines during an enforcement operation conducted in the Kampala suburbs of Kawempe and Kanyanya.
The crackdown targeted several drug outlets and storage facilities suspected of stocking and distributing unregistered, substandard and illegally supplied medicines.
According to the Authority, three suspects were arrested during the operation and are currently detained at Kawempe Police Station as investigations continue.
The NDA said the exercise is part of its ongoing campaign to rid the market of counterfeit and unsafe medicines and safeguard public health.
“The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to eliminate counterfeit and unsafe medicines from the market and protect public health,” the Authority said in a statement.
Investigators are now working to establish the source of the seized medicines and trace the wider distribution network behind the suspected illicit drug trade. Officials indicated that additional arrests could be made as inquiries progress.
The regulator urged members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing medicines, warning against obtaining drugs from unlicensed dealers, roadside vendors and other unauthorised outlets.
“Members of the public are advised not to purchase medicines from unlicensed vendors, roadside sellers and unauthorized outlets. All medicines should be obtained through approved and regulated channels,” the NDA said.
The Authority warned that counterfeit and substandard medicines present serious dangers to both humans and animals, including treatment failure, deterioration of illnesses and, in some cases, death.
NDA officials said enforcement operations will continue to be intensified across the country to strengthen drug safety measures and ensure that only approved medicines reach consumers.
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