The Gambia’s Medical Control Agency  (MCA) has launched a clampdown on “illegal medicines operators” in the country.

Officials from the agency supported by the Gambia Police Force carried out raids in the Greater Banjul Area. 

“In the execution of its mandate, the MCA with the support of the Gambia Police Force has been conducting raids on medicines peddlers in streets, markets and at the Banjul Ferry crossing point, all of which are illegal,” Markieu Janneh Kaira executive director of MCA said.

He said the agency’s main mandate is to protect public health and it has from 2018 to date closed down and prosecuted over 100 illegal drugstores and private clinics.

“MCA is warning all the illegal business operators dealing with medicines and related products i.e. importers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and sellers including clinics and drug peddlers to immediately desist from the illegal practices or face the full strength of the law.

“The public is hereby advised to refrain from buying from these illegal sources and pharmaceutical businesses and to report such businesses or practices that may also be hiding in your neighborhood to the Medicines Control Agency,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba