Three individuals were apprehended red-handed for distributing 150mg and 250mg tramadol to dealers while posing as nurses. Their identities remain undisclosed, but they admitted guilt in their unlawful activities.

One of the perpetrators falsely claimed affiliation with the Walewale Government Hospital as a nurse, while another posed as a nurse from the Kumbungu Health Centre.

Both confessed to knowingly violating the law.

A public notice from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) emphasized that offering Tramadol or Tramadol-containing products above registered dosages is strictly prohibited.

Such medications are designated as "Prescription Only Medicines" and should not be dispensed below the level of District Hospitals.

The FDA cited Executive Instrument E. I168, enacted under the Minister for Health's powers per the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), to regulate Tramadol and Tramadol-containing products.

Likewise, Codeine-containing cough syrups are banned, with their registration and market authorizations revoked under Executive Instrument E. I. 167, also enacted under the Minister for Health's authority as per the same act.

All approved forms and strengths of these drugs are now classified as "Controlled Drugs" and "Prescription Only Medicines," requiring a valid prescription for dispensation.

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Three individuals, including two men who claimed to be nurses at Walewale Government Hospital and Kumbungu health centre, were caught red-handed distributing 150mg and 250mg tramadol to dealers of these restricted drugs. pic.twitter.com/cMmWuggNu0— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) May 3, 2024