Home / National

Pharmaceutical Society demands tough penalties for illegal drug sales to minors

Rohypnol, which retails at Sh150 in local pharmacies, is an anti-anxiety medication that is sometimes abused due to its euphoric effects. (Photo: File/Merja Ojala/Getty Images/AFP)

By Lucy Mumbi | 23 Apr 2024

The call came after an operation saw 21 pharmacies shut down in Mombasa last week for illegally selling Rohypnol.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has called for the severe punishment of people involved in the illegal sale of medications to minors.

The call came after Mombasa County commissioner Mahmood Noor reported that 21 pharmacies were shut last week in the coastal county for selling Rohypnol without prescriptions and over the counter, to children as young as seven.

Keep reading

Rohypnol, which retails at Sh150 in local pharmacies, is an anti-anxiety medication that is sometimes abused due to its euphoric effects.

It is among the prescription drugs used by coastal youths as a short-term treatment for insomnia and is also used as a pre-medication drug in surgical procedures and for inducing anaesthesia.

The drug causes dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth, reduced alertness and confusion.

Distancing itself from those accused of engaging in the illicit trade, PSK President Louis Machogu said the reports highlighted a serious issue that demands immediate attention and action from all stakeholders involved.

He defended legitimate pharmacists, saying they stand firm in their commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and patient care.

“Pharmacists in Kenya are bound by strict regulations and ethical guidelines that prohibit the sale of prescription medications without verification, furthermore to unaccompanied minors," he said.

"The Pharmacy and Poisons Board plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with these regulations, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya actively participates in the Enquiries and Disciplinary Committee of the PPB to address any complaints or concerns related to the conduct of pharmacists."

Machogu assured commitment to promoting the health and well-being of all Kenyans and to working tirelessly to uphold the integrity of the pharmaceutical profession.

Last week's operation also saw the closure of 167 bars in the coastal region as part of the government's war on illicit brew and drugs.

County commissioner Mahmood said the operation also aims to boost security following the resurgence of knife-wielding juvenile gangs at the coast.

"We have arrested more than 20 suspects. We will smoke out all criminals. Some are as young as 16 and yet they are already engaging in criminal activity," he said.

"We won't allow disorder in this county. We have also poured over 30,000 litres of chang'aa (illicit brew) and mnazi (palm wine) and will extend the operation to Likoni and Jomvu."