Medicines were illegally imported into Northern Cyprus and sold to hospitals

A Northern Cyprus resident, B.Ç., was detained after medicines imported without the necessary permit were discovered during an inspection of a medical supplies warehouse in Minareliköy. The inspection was carried out on 14 August after police received information about illegally imported medicines. Fourteen packages of medicines were found at the warehouse and seized as evidence.

Further investigation revealed that B.Ç. had illegally imported a total of 32 medicines and injections into the TRNC and put them up for sale. It was also established that 23 medicines and injections worth a total of 301,000 Turkish liras and €1,165 had been sold to three hospitals. Police reported that the company was not registered with the Department of Medicines and Pharmacy, while B.Ç. had carried out the sales without being a member of the Pharmaceutical Chamber.

Illegal import and sale of medicines is punishable by a fine of up to 10 million Turkish liras, imprisonment for up to six months, or both penalties simultaneously. B.Ç. gave a statement which, according to police, was of a confessional nature. The court banned him from leaving the country and ordered him to report to the police once a week. In addition, he must post bail of 50,000 liras, while a guarantor must sign a guarantee for 500,000 liras.

The man was released from custody pending the investigation.