The Medicines Board at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a strong warning to the general public to refrain from buying any medicines from people going on in the streets and unlicensed premises as such medicines can be harmful to people's health.

In a media release issued Thursday, the Board expressed great concern on the rampant drug peddling on the streets and unlicensed drug outlets saying it is a punishable offence by law and any person caught in this act will be prosecuted.

The release reads:

The Medicines Board has noticed with great concern the rampant drug peddling that is going on in the streets and proliferation of unlicensed drug outlets. The general public is hereby informed that Medicines Board only allows licensed holders to sell medicines in the licensed premises.

It is against the law and a crime that no person should be going round and selling medicines in the streets and markets or operates unlicensed drug outlets. This is a punishable offence by law and any person caught in this act will be prosecuted. We are therefore warning the public to refrain from buying any medicines from these peddlers as the medicines can be harmful to your health. Medicines exposed to direct sunlight, dust and dirt can undergo chemical changes which are hazardous and dangerous to your health.

The general public is hereby urged to report any such acts and offences to the Office of the Medicines Board, National Pharmaceutical Services, Near Kotu Power Station, Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, Kotu.