Mchinji detectives burst a drug theft syndicate

Police in Mchinji have arrested two health officials and two locals who were involved in drug and medical equipment theft at Mchinji District Hospital.

These four suspects were allegedly found with five cartons and 45 boxes of surgical gloves, 25 boxes of rabies vaccine, two boxes of malaria rapid test kits, four boxes of HIV test kits and two bottles of Hemocue HB301.

According to Station Officer for Mchinji, Charles Mpezeni, the essential drugs and medical equipments were chained out of the Mchinji District Hospital by four hospital attendants and one Hospital Surveillance Assistant, of which two are in custody.

The stolen items were then sent to the second suspect, the former hospital attendant who was dismissed for allegedly stealing medical supplies.

The supplies were sent to the first suspect, who happens to be the girlfriend to the second suspect.

Through the second suspect’s girlfriend, the drugs and medical equipments were smuggled out to Zambians and Mozambicans nationals who were dealing in business of medical drugs and equipment.

Mpezeni said the case is now in the hands of the court, the first two suspects will be charged with being found with medical drugs without permit.

While the other two health officials will be charged with theft of medicines or allied substances contrary to section 82 of Pharmaceutical medicines and poisons regulations act of 2019.

Police have since launched an investigation in order to apprehend the remaining health workers and uncover the drug syndicate at Mchinji District Hospital.

The four people arrested are Prisca Machila, who comes from Nkhwazi Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Mabvwere of Mchinji District, Epulani Mphanza, 35 of Sitolo Village, TA Mlonyeni in Mchinji District, former hospital attendant, Saulosi Nyambani, 37, who comes from Mkanda Village, TA Mkanda in Mchinji District, a hospital attendant at Mchinji District Hospital and Joseph Katete, 38, from Chibande Village, TA Nyoka in Mchinji District, a hospital attendant at Mchinji District Hospital.