Tanzania’s Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) has ordered the destruction of pharmaceutical products and medical devices worth Sh300 million seized in Dar es Salaam, saying the unregistered goods posed a serious public health risk.
For legitimate importers, the operational signal is enforcement at the airport. The first consignment — 20 boxes of medicines illegally imported from India — was intercepted at Julius Nyerere International Airport on 7 September, and TMDA says it has intensified joint inspections with the Tanzania Revenue Authority, including spot checks at borders, airports and ports, using testing equipment to detect substandard and unregistered products at entry. Importers routing through JNIA should expect their documentation and registration status to be checked.
TMDA director general Dr Adam Fimbo said the medicines had not been registered in the country. “Their quality, safety and efficacy had not been assessed and approved by the relevant authority,” he said, adding that destruction would protect the public from harm caused by medicines bypassing regulatory controls.
A second consignment identified on 9 September contained injectable medicines including lignocaine, bupivacaine, adrenaline and vitamins. Preliminary investigations indicated the shipment also contained active pharmaceutical ingredients used in medicines for cancer, epilepsy, high blood pressure and diabetes, along with weight-loss products and prosthetic dental devices. Both operations were conducted with the Police Force.
TMDA said investigations into the consignments are ongoing and that it will continue working with law enforcement and security agencies to identify and act against those involved in illegal importation and trade of medical products.
Source: Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority, and remarks by director general Dr Adam Fimbo.
