The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe, on Thursday, May 26, 2022 convicted and slapped a 40-year-old man Justin Chikanda, with a fine of K1, 000, 000 (one million kwacha) or in default to serve a 12 month imprisonment for being found in possession of medical drugs without a licence.

The court heard through state prosecutor Inspector Rodney Bottoman, that the convict was arrested on May 12, this year at Nsundwe area after police raid found huge amounts of various medical drugs in his house without permit.

He further told the court that a joint team of police detectives from Central West Region, and Lilongwe Police Station conducted the raid of Chikanda’s house after a tip-off from members of the public.

Bottoman also said that when police engaged the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) during investigations, it found out that Chikanda had no any related medical training, or his premises authorized to keep and sell medicines.

The investigations further revealed that Chikanda used to procure various amounts of medical drugs from different pharmacies using a licence that is not his.

In mitigation, Chikanda, who pleaded guilty to the charge of Found in Possession of Medical Drugs Without a Licence, prayed to the court for leniency.

He said that he is a first offender, and that he is a breadwinner for his family.

In its submission, the state reminded the court of the seriousness of the offence which attracts a maximum sentence of five million kwacha fine and five years imprisonment.

The state also pointed out the dangers Chikanda’s behavior poses to lives of people in the community he was operating in considering the fact that he doesn’t possess any medical expertise.

When passing his sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate James Mankhwazi, took into consideration the fact that Chikanda is a first offender.

Source:MANA