A 39-year-old man suspected of being a supplier of counterfeit drugs in pharmacies in Kikuyu Sub County was on Tuesday arrested by Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board officials.
The man identified as Mutio was arrested from a pharmacy in Kikuyu town by Kenya Pharmacy and Poison's Board officials during their regular inspections as he tried to sell drugs to a pharmacist.
Speaking after the arrest, Mr Orwa Odhiambo of PPB said the man has been supplying counterfeit drugs for a long period.
He said despite their regular inspections they never found him but today they managed to arrest him thanks to the police from Kikuyu Police Station.
He said that the offence was a very serious crime since it was dangerous for people and also could lead to death. He confirmed that about 12 patients who sought medication from pharmacies ended up getting worse off and later dying because of the drugs they were given by pharmacist over the past six months.
"Most of these pharmacists promoting the crime are quarks who have greed for money since the fake drugs are cheaper. Such pharmacist will also be arrested," said the officer.
Speaking in his office on Tuesday, Kikuyu OCPD Mr Mutune Maweu confirmed the arrest and said the man was arrested with 16 boxes of different drugs that were in his probox car.
He said that the suspect will be arraigned in court on Wednesday after police complete investigations.
"I also warn pharmacists against promoting these crimes. Report such criminals to the police," said the police boss.