A suspected illegal medicine manufacturing operation uncovered in Zimre Park, Harare, has exposed a dangerous trade in counterfeit capsules allegedly packed with crushed nut shells and sold to unsuspecting consumers under misleading health claims.
The operation came to light after concerns were raised over suspected medicine sales linked to Organicare, prompting investigations that led authorities to a residential property allegedly being used to manufacture medicines outside approved regulatory systems.
What investigators reportedly discovered inside the premises raised serious alarm.
Capsules believed to have been distributed to members of the public were allegedly filled with crushed nut shells — commonly known as mateko or makoko enzungu — mixed with other unverified substances and marketed as health products.
The discovery has intensified concerns over the growing circulation of questionable medicines at a time when many Zimbabweans are increasingly turning to alternative treatments and wellness products.
Investigators reportedly recovered capsule-filling machines, blister-packing equipment and capsule-polishing machinery at the premises, suggesting what appeared to be a structured production operation operating beyond regulatory oversight.
Authorities say individuals linked to the alleged manufacturing scheme were arrested following the raid.
Related Stories
The latest development follows an earlier operation this year at the same company’s premises along Jason Moyo Avenue in Harare, where unregistered complementary medicines were confiscated, resulting in a conviction.
Confirming the development, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) said the breakthrough followed information supplied by members of the public.
“The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe commends members of the public for providing a crucial tip-off which led to the uncovering of an illegal medicine manufacturing operation in Zimre Park, Harare,” the regulator said.
According to MCAZ, investigations established that the premises were allegedly being used to manufacture medicines illegally within a residential area.
“Investigations further revealed that most of the capsules being distributed to unsuspecting consumers contained crushed nut shells ‘mateko/makoko enzungu’ and other unverified substances, misleading the public with false health claims,” the authority said.
The regulator warned citizens against purchasing medicines from unlicensed premises or unknown sources, stressing that unsafe medicines pose significant risks to public health.
“MCAZ strongly warns members of the public against purchasing medicines from unlicensed premises or unverified sources. Illegal medicines pose a serious risk to public health and safety,” the authority added.
MCAZ also commended community members whose vigilance helped expose the operation, saying public cooperation remains critical in curbing the spread of counterfeit and illegally manufactured medicines.
Leave Comments