• Importing Benylin with Codeine cough mixture without an import permit issued by ZAMRA.
• Intercepted by ZRA and DEC Officers.
• The medicines were seized and forfeited to the state for disposal.

Zambia Medicines and regulatory Authority ZAMRA reveals a Zimbabwean man has been convicted and fined K100, 000.00 for illegal importation of medicines by a Subordinate court in Livingstone District of Southern Province.

ZAMRA Public Relations Officer Ludovic Mwape said the Offence committed by the Zimbabwean National for importing Benylin with Codeine cough mixture without an import permit issued by Zambia Medicines and Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) is contrary to section 35 (1) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act No. 3 of 2013.

Mr. Mwape narrated facts of the matter are that Mr. Simba Kundakwashe Omega Kanyoyangwa, male, aged 49 of Waterfalls, Harare District of Zimbabwe on 26th June 2023 did import 960 bottles of Benylin with Codeine cough mixture through Kazungula border post without an import permit issued by ZAMRA and was intercepted by Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Officers.

Mr. Mwape said following further investigations by ZAMRA, the matter was taken to court for prosecution before Chief Resident Magistrate Honorable Julius Malata Kabalata on 17th July, 2023 at Livingstone Subordinate court where Mr. Kanyoyangwa, pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined upon conviction.

He disclosed that the medicines were seized and forfeited to the state for disposal.

“We wish to issue a stern warning to perpetrators of similar offences that we shall not hesitate to prosecute person’s illegally importing medicines into the Country” Mr. Mwape said.

According to ZAMRA, this is to ensure that only quality, safe and efficacious medicines are placed on the Zambian market.