Police Hunt Suspect After Seizing Large Quantity of Medical Drugs at Lilongwe Main Market
Published on June 25, 2026 at 2:59 PM by Evance Kapito
Police in Lilongwe have launched a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly stored and traded medical drugs without authorization after detectives seized a large quantity of pharmaceutical products during a raid at Lilongwe Main Market.
According to Lilongwe Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Khumbo Sanyiwa, the operation was conducted on June 24, 2026, following information that a trader was illegally keeping and selling medical drugs from a shop within the market.
Sanyiwa said detectives raided the premises at around 9:30 a.m. and discovered a substantial stock of assorted medicines and pharmaceutical products.
Among the items recovered were anti-malaria drugs, painkillers, antibiotics, vitamin supplements, injectable medicines, oral rehydration salts, absorbent cotton wool and hundreds of boxes of hormonal contraceptives.
Police said the suspect was not found at the shop during the operation and remains on the run.
“The suspect was absent when officers carried out the raid. Efforts are currently underway to trace and arrest the individual,” said Sanyiwa.
The seized products included thousands of tablets of Aspirin, Metronidazole, Diclofenac, Vitamin B Compound and Panadol, as well as injections, contraceptives and other medical supplies.
Police have warned members of the public against engaging in the illegal storage, sale or distribution of medical drugs without the necessary licences and permits, saying the practice poses serious risks to public health.
Authorities have since intensified investigations to establish the source of the drugs and determine whether other individuals may have been involved in the operation.
The suspect is expected to face charges related to the unlawful possession and trading of medical drugs once apprehended.
