127 Pharmacies Shut Down While 70 Arrested During a Crackdown on Fake Medicine in Coast
Following a sting operation conducted by inspectors from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, 127 pharmacies in the Coastal Region were found to be operating unlawfully.
Leah Mukangai 
According to a statement from the board, the crackdown took place on the morning of Thursday, February 3 in the targeted retailers.
70 people were detained and are awaiting arraignment in court after being caught operating in some of the illegal pharmacies.
Illegal chemists, clinics, herbal medicine stores, and cosmetic shops retailing medicament-containing preparations disguised as cosmetics were among the drug distribution outlets targeted.
During the operation, 111 cartons of assorted Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) drugs were found on the premises.
The seized drugs will be examined and disposed of in accordance with the court requirements.
Authorities from the Pharmacy and Poison Board (PPB) worked with the Kenya Police Service (KPS), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Judiciary to carry out the operation.
PPB advised that all medical reps permits, yearly practice licenses, certificates for registration of premises, and wholesale dealer's licenses expire on December 31 of each year and must be renewed before then.
