By Kemo Kanyi
Six non-Gambians were on Monday sent to Mile II Central Prison for their alleged involvement in illegal possession of medicines.
The accused persons; including 4 Nigerians, aGhanaian, and a Sierra Leonean were arraigned before Magistrate Anna O. Mendy of Brikama Magistrates’ court.
Inspector Kemo Y. Manneh and Sergeant 3645 F. Trawally announced their appearance for the Inspector General of Police. The six accused persons were not represented.
The accused persons were four males and two females.
The accused persons in the names of: OluwasegunOwolabi, Clever Uduak, Precious Effiong, and Jackson Godstime are all Nigerians. Soriba Kargbo and AlicaiAdadae are from Sierra Leone and Ghana, respectively.
These six individuals are slammed with “Illegal Importation of Medicines without authority,” contrary to section 17 punishable under section 59(c) of the Medicines and Related Products Act 2014.
The particulars of the offense alleged that the accused persons were found in possession of prohibited medicines without authority from the Medical Control Agency (MCA).
All the accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against them.
Section 17 of the Licensing of Medicines and Related Products Act states :
(1) An application for a license or permit under this part shall be made to the Agency in the prescribed form and shall be accompanied by such fees as may be prescribed in the regulations.
(2) Where an application is made for a license or permit under this part in relation to medicines and related products, the Agency shall,
before issuing the license or permit to which the application relates, consider in case of application for manufacturing products regulated under this Act.
Section 59(c) of Medicines and related products Act states that “Any person who is found to be in possession of restricted medicines without lawful authority commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not exceeding five hundred thousand Dalasi or to imprisonment not
exceeding five years or both; and in the case of a continuing offence to a further fine of one thousand Dalasi for each day during which the offence continues after written notice has been served on the offender by the Agency.
Court remanded the accused persons at mile II central prison until Thursday 9 May 2024 for the presentation of facts by the prosecution.