Hargeysa(Mogadishu24)-Somaliland’s Quality Commission issued a warning on Wednesday regarding EBUFAC tablets imported from abroad, following allegations against the manufacturing company for producing counterfeit drugs.

According to the Commission’s statement, the ban follows comprehensive laboratory tests, revealing the tablets’ failure to meet required standards and authenticity.

“The Quality Assurance Agency, in the course of its responsibilities, notifies the Somaliland community that the tablet named EBUFAC is a counterfeit drug from the company that produced it. Laboratory tests have been conducted, examining parameters affecting the drug’s effectiveness and functionality,” the statement declared.

The Commission pledged to remove the drug from all pharmaceutical and medical centers immediately, taking swift actions.

It emphasized that legal measures will be taken against any company found to be involved in producing fake drugs for distribution in the country.

The Commission further called on the public to report any pharmaceutical or medical centers involved in the distribution and sale of fake drugs.

On Tuesday last week, the Commission issued a ban on the sale and consumption of imported rice due to concerns about its quality, which were raised by the Office of Social Services.

“Following a letter from the Office of Social Services with REF: DHH/WAB/142/23, requesting a test to be carried out on imported rice, the Commission conducted an extensive laboratory test to assess the quality of the rice,” reads the statement.

“After the test, the Commission concluded that the rice is not fit for human consumption as it failed to meet the required standards.”

This ban on the rice came after detectives from the Social Services Department intercepted a truck carrying imported consignments that had been cleared at the Berbera Port.

The importation of non-compliant goods in Somaliland has been on the rise in recent times, prompting the quality control authorities and detectives to take crucial steps in implementing effective corrective measures to safeguard public interest.