The Dowa First Grade Magistrate Court, has sentenced a 49-year-old man to 30 months imprisonment with hard labour for being found in possession of medical drugs without necessary documents.
State Prosecutor Inspector Christopher Daluni told the court that Dyson Pitros committed the offense on April 23 this year at Chezi Trading Centre in the district.
The court heard that Pitros was found with medical drugs such as Amoxiline, Doxycline, Peniciline, Paracetamol and among others worthy K1 Million.
At the court, Pitros pleaded guilty to a charge of being found in possession of medical drugs without a licence which is contrary to Section 96 of the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority Act.
In mitigation, he asked the court for mercy saying he is the only one who supports his family.
However, in his submission, Daluni, pleaded with the court to pass a stiff punishment to the offender, arguing that cases of such nature are rampant in the area and the only way to deter others is to pass stiff punishments those found guilty.
In his rulling, First Grade Magistrate Charles Amran Phiri sentenced Pitros to 30 months imprisonment with hard labour with no option to pay a fine, saying the medical drugs are of large quantity.
Pitros comes from Nyalubwe Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mkukula in the District.
Source: MIJ Online