Principal Magistrate I. S. Mbai of the Kanifing Magistrates Court on 06 October 2025 convicted and sentenced Mr. Akilou Edi and Mr. Mustapha Edi Ceesay to a fine of D40,000 each for storing medicines in an unauthorized premise, in violation of Section 59(1)(e) of the Medicines and Related Products Act, 2014, after they pleaded guilty.
Chief Inspector A. Bojang, representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP), told the Court that on 24 June 2025, a Joint Inspection Team comprising officers of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and officers of other security institutions, while on a joint inspection exercise in Serekunda, Kanifing Municipality, came across the accused persons, storing sex enhancement medicines in an unauthorized premise and these medicines were seized and documented using the MCA’s quarantine and seizure form.
The accused were then escorted to the Serekunda Police Station, where their statements were obtained and a case file was opened, they were subsequently cautioned and charged, and during investigations, both voluntarily admitted to the offence.
While delivering their plea in mitigation, the convicts plead with the Court to tamper justice with mercy citing that they are foreign nationals and family men, who are the sole provider of their families.
After confirming from the Prosecutor that the two convicts had no previous conviction records, Magistrate Mbai sentenced them to a fine of D40,000 each, payable in two installments. In default, they will serve one month imprisonment at Mile II Central Prisons.
The Medicines Control Agency reminds the public that the storage and sale of medicines without proper authorization is illegal and poses serious risks to public health.
MCA remains committed to ensuring that all medicines and related products circulating in The Gambia are of quality, safe and efficacious.
The public is encouraged to report any unlawful or suspicious medicine-related activities through Qcell toll-free number 1233, 3363068 or email info@mca.gm.
Let’s ensure a healthier Gambia together.