THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Medicines and Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) have seized a consignment of Benylin with Codeine syrup worth approximately K763,000 at Victoria Falls Border in Livingstone.

According to a joint statement issued by Mathia Kamanga of DEC, Topsy Sikalinda of ZRA and Christabel Illiamupu of ZAMRA, the transporter of the seized assignment was arrested for trafficking in 218 boxes containing 10,464 bottles of Benylin with codeine, which is contrary to the Laws of Zambia.

They stated that the consignment together with the truck had been seized and further advised those engaging in similar offences to refrain from the vice or risk prosecution.

“The transporter of the seized consignment, Katongo Kelly’s Musonda, a male aged 45 of House No. 1278, Lilayi East in Lusaka has been arrested for trafficking in 218 boxes containing 10,464 bottles of Benylin with codeine. This is contrary to section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia, and illegal importation of narcotics C/S 16 of the Act. The importer also contravened provisions of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act No. 3 of 2013 as follows; Lack of a pharmaceutical licence to sell, store, distribute or supply; Absence of an import permit to authorize importation; and Failure to maintain records,” read the statement.

“The consignment together with the truck have been seized and the undersigned wishes to advise all those engaging in similar offences to refrain from the vice or risk prosecution. We remain committed to ensuring protection and promotion of public health through curbing illegal production, storage, distribution and sale of medicines.”