Freetown — Sierra Leone's Pharmacy Board Friday destroyed over Le 500 million fake and counterfeit drugs.

The destruction exercise took place at the Central Medical Stores compound, New England Ville in Freetown.

The destruction was aimed at eradicating fake, substandard and counterfeit drugs nationwide.

Health and Sanitation Minister, Abator Thomas noted that the exercise is another mile stone in the board's history, as the event is a warning to unscrupulous businessmen to desist from importing or smuggling fake and counterfeit drugs into the country.

She said this is the fourth destruction exercise she has witnessed after her appointment as Minister of Health and Sanitation.

"I am advising everyone to come on board to help us eradicate fake and counterfeit drugs in the country," she said.

Director of Drugs and Medical Supplies, Dr. BassieTuray said fake and counterfeit drugs are all over the country adding that they have prosecuted some of the culprits.

Turay said the drugs destroyed were retrieved from retail shops and pharmacies in the Western Area after an inspection.

World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Sierra Leone, Dr. Felicitas Zawaira disclosed that 50% of drugs in the world are either fake or counterfeit.