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Food and Drug Dept. investigating possible drug scam
The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department has commenced investigating a complaint whereby a number of pharmaceuticals are being manufactured and sold under conditions that are not authorised.
Based on information reaching Kaieteur News, the products sold to the public are bootlegged complete with labeling purporting them to be from established manufacturing companies.
This publication has learnt that these named pharmaceuticals are not in any way associated with the established companies and it is on this fact that the Food and Drug Department has premised its investigation.
Further information revealed that the distributor [name withheld] has no licence, no degree or certificates of approval from any health institutes to engage in such activities.
This publication has learnt that the conditions under which the products are made are insanitary and this is compounded by the fact that ingredients used, in some cases, could be detrimental to end users. This is according to a source familiar with the state of affairs.
Information provided to this publication reveal that one of the product sold is made up of ‘Caustic Soda’ better known as Sodium Hydroxide which is broken down to be placed as an ingredient of the product.
Wikipedia says, “Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound. It is a highly caustic base and alkali that decomposes proteins at ordinary ambient temperatures and may cause severe chemical burns.”
Furthermore, another website, ThoughtCo, stated that, “Caustic soda is not sold in bulk and in some cases it has been removed from the market because of being used as an ingredient to make illegal drugs.”
According to the source, what is especially worrying is that the items are being sold in bulk and not only to Guyanese but to persons overseas right under the nose of the relevant authorities.
When contacted, Director of the Food and Drug Department, Mr. Marlan Cole, confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the allegations.
“I do not have the direct facts in front of me at the moment but I can say we [Food and Drug Department] have received a complaint to that effect,” he said.
He added, “The only thing I can say thus far is that an investigation has been launched which is being treated as a priority and as a result it will not take us a week or two weeks to get this completed.”
According to the Director, his team of investigators will be starting off by visiting the locations where the pharmaceuticals in questions are allegedly being retailed and once the items have been found, the distributor will then be located and the necessary action taken.
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