Zimbabwe moves to restrict Codeine access, revokes 10 pharmaceutical licenses

Ten pharmaceutical companies have reportedly had their licenses and permissions cancelled by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), which claims they were selling analgesic medications intended for recreational use illegally.

Head of Licensing and Enforcement Division Caroline Dandira-Samatanga made the announcement at a press conference on Monday, among other measures in combating the use of said drugs for recreation.

“We have have cancelled six licenses from wholesale dealers and also cancelled four licenses of individuals who were promoting the illicit sale of Histalin, a locally produced cough mixture, which contains codeine.’

#HappeningNow The MCAZ takes a stand against drug and substance abuse. The Authority addresses the media on the scourge of drug and substance abuse. pic.twitter.com/aeGHYpe3uX
— Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (@MCAZofficial) October 2, 2023

“That was being sold in Mbare and also places like Chitungwiza. And others were even exporting to countries like Zambia and Mozambique,” Dandira-Samatanga added.

She added that the Authority had now put in measures to contain access to Codeine-containing medicines. These would now be accessed via prescription only.

Dandira-Samatanga said MCAZ was aware that over-the-counter medicines with Codeine were accessible from other countries.

Drug abuse has been a huge scourge in Zimbabwe.