TMDA nabs two foreigners for selling counterfeit Dettol

KAHAMA: THE Tanzania Medicines and Devices Authority (TMDA) has arrested two citizens of a neighboring country after discovering the presence of counterfeit Dettol water in a market with a capacity of 50ml, 125ml, 250ml, 500ml, and one litre at Namanga street, Kahama Urban in Shinyanga Region.

A statement issued by the Director General of TMDA, Adam Fimbo, said the suspects involved in the crime have been brought to the security agencies and the procedures to bring them to court are ongoing, so that action can be taken under the laws of the country.

“The authority wishes to inform the public that through the effective inspection system of products in the market, it has identified the presence of the said Dettol in illegal batches and labeled to show that it is genuine Dettol.

He added, “The manufacturing of the fake Dettol has been identified from intelligence information collected by TMDA, and then an inspection was carried out jointly with the police force at a guest house in the region.

He said that in the house, various raw materials were found, including equipment, chemicals, and containers such as empty bottles of Dettol, labels, paints, large bottles, and liquids in one room where two citizens of neighboring countries were living, who are suspected of participating in the crime.

In addition, TMDA has advised citizens who use Dettol liquid for various uses to kill germs to carefully check its labels and if they have any doubts, they should report it to the nearest TMDA office or police station.

“Traders involved in the purchase of these products are directed to purchase Dettol from genuine sources and be given receipts for the purchases they make.

TMDA has warned any company, group, network, or individual involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of medicines such as vaccines, medical devices, and substandard or counterfeit products that strict legal action will be taken against them.

ALSO READ: TMDA destroys 3.8 tonnes of substandard medicines in Geita

It also advises all citizens to report to TMDA or the police station when they discover violations of the Medicines and Medical Devices Act, Chapter 219 so that legal action can be taken to protect public health.