12/05/2026
INDIAN NATIONAL FINED K6.1 MILLION FOR ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF UNREGISTERED MEDICINES
The Blantyre Resident Magistrate’s Court has convicted and fined K6.1 million an Indian national, Azhar Chand Khan (36), for illegally importing assorted unregistered medicines into Malawi, contravening the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) Act (2019).
Senior Resident Magistrate Masauko Daniel Chijere found Khan guilty on three counts of possessing medicines without authorization, contrary to Section 95; importing medicines without a permit, contrary to Section 104(2); and failing to obtain PMRA authorization for controlled substances, contrary to Section 60 of the PMRA Act.
On 26th November 2025, Police at the Bakili Muluzi International Airport intercepted and arrested Khan upon his arrival from India.
Following the interception, the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) was engaged to provide technical identification of the impounded medicines and expert testimony to demonstrate gravity of the offence.
Khan was found carrying unregistered medicines, including potent chemotherapy agents, controlled substances such as ephedrine injections, and large quantities of prescription tablets, syrups, and topical products—all requiring strict handling and legal authorization. He attempted to smuggle the medicines into the country using false documents that listed him as a “patient.”
Passing judgment on Wednesday, 6th May, 2026, the court sided with State Prosecutor Inspector Samson Balakasi, who had argued for a stiffer sentence. Balakasi emphasized that unauthorized importation of medicines poses serious risks to patients and undermines Malawi’s regulatory framework for safe drug control.
Accordingly, the court imposed a fine of K3 million or 48 months imprisonment for the first count, K2.6 million or 36 months imprisonment for the second count, and MK500,000 or four months imprisonment for the third.
In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of all seized medicines to the Malawi Government.
Photo credit: Malawi Police Service (MPS).