Laptop Bag ‘Pharmacy’: Dowa man hit with K1.8m fine over illegal drug haul

The First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Mponela, Dowa, has ordered 29-year-old Satifano Master to pay a K1.8 million fine for possessing and selling an assortment of essential medical drugs without a license.

Master was arrested on January 28, 2026, at Kantchentche Trading Centre following a police intelligence operation.

State Prosecutor Inspector Vincent Mtalawe told the court that upon searching the convict’s house, police discovered two laptop bags packed with government-regulated medicines.

The seized haul included:

• Malaria Treatments: Large quantities of LA (Lumefantrine-Artemether) and Novidar SP.

• Diagnostic Tools: 25 boxes of Malaria Rapid Test Kits.

• Antibiotics & Injections: 37 bottles of Gentamicin and bottles of Bactrim.

• Painkillers: Ibuprofen, Magnesium, and Indocid capsules.

Master pleaded guilty to all charges but pleaded for leniency, telling the court that he was a first-time offender trying to make a living.

However, First Grade Magistrate Talakwanji Mndala emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that unregulated drug sales pose a significant risk to public health. The court convicted him on three counts:

• Conducting a pharmacy on unregistered premises: K600,000 fine.

• Managing a retail pharmacy without a license: K600,000 fine.

• Possession of medical products without a license: K600,000 fine.

The Magistrate ordered the total fine of K1.8 million to be paid immediately to avoid a custodial sentence. Master has since paid the full amount.

The court has also ordered that the seized medical supplies be surrendered to the Ministry of Health through the Dowa District Hospital.

The case comes amid a nationwide crackdown on the theft and illegal sale of hospital drugs, which often leads to shortages in public health facilities.