TMDA moves to destroy 300m/- unregistered medical products

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) plans to destroy medicines and medical devices worth Sh300 million seized in Dar es Salaam on September 7 and 9, 2026.

TMDA Director General Dr Adam Fimbo said the authority, working with the Police Force, uncovered illegal importation of a 20-box consignment of medicines from India through Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA).

“The medicines were not registered in the country, meaning their quality, safety and efficacy had not been verified by TMDA,” Dr Fimbo said.

He said destroying the products would protect the public from potential harm associated with medicines whose quality, safety and efficacy had not been assessed and approved by the relevant authority.

On September 9, TMDA identified another consignment containing injectable medicines, including lignocaine, bupivacaine, adrenaline and vitamins.

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“Preliminary investigations showed that the consignment contained active ingredients used in medicines for treating various diseases, including cancer, epilepsy, high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as medicines used for weight loss. The consignment also contained prosthetic dental medical devices,” he said.

Dr Fimbo said TMDA would continue working with law enforcement and security agencies to identify and act against individuals involved in illegal importation and trade of medical products.

The authority has also strengthened inspections with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), including spot checks at border points, airports and ports, while using modern equipment to test medical products and prevent substandard and unregistered goods from entering Tanzania.