The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has visited the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) to chat the way forward in the effective control of codeine containing cough preparations 

Speaking  at the engagement held at the ZAMRA Headquarters yesterday, DEC Deputy Director – General, Ms Beatrice Mpanga, revealed that owing to the increase in unauthorised importation and abuse of codeine containing cough preparations, DEC has been directed by the highest office to ensure that this vice is curbed and receives the seriousness it deserves.

She said the abuse by junkies has put members of the public at risk, thereby compromising state security, not just in Zambia, but worldwide. “As a country, we should be on the alert and stand steadfast till we curb this vice in its budding stage before it becomes unmanageable.”

And ZAMRA Director – General, Mr Makomani Siyanga, said that manufacturers and importers of codeine containing cough preparations were advised to stop their respective pharmaceutical activities, while awaiting legislative measures to be soon instituted. Therefore, the said products were not expected to be on the market as ZAMRA had stopped authorising the importation for the said preparations. “Thus, anybody without a permit or authorisation by ZAMRA to bring the named products into the country must be prosecuted based on the existing laws.” said Mr Siyanga.

He further informed the DEC delegation that ZAMRA will soon issue a public notice on the status of cough preparations containing codeine.

This was in response to the DEC Head of delegation, who pointed out that the commission was currently being challenged by some sections of society over the arrest of people dealing in codeine containing substances, because the DEC Act in the 2nd schedule allows for the arrest of anyone dealing with the preparations without authorisation.

Story by Lister M. Mutukwa – Public Relations Officer