Drug theft rages on

Government keeps losing millions through theft of drugs despite President Peter Mutharika’s warnings against the vice.

Recently, police in Karonga captured Tanzanian Isaac Mwakalinga,36, in possession of various drugs and medical supplies from public hospitals.

Mwakalinga was arrested at North Rukuru Police Roadblock, with the items allegedly tucked in the bonnet and boot of a car.

The law enforcers recovered a consignment valued at over K1 million.

According to Karonga Police spokesperson Enock Livasoni, the suspect claims that the drugs were sourced from Blantyre.

Last year, the President urged health workers against stealing drugs, a tendency which costs government almost K7 billion a year.

Malawi Equity and Health Network (Mehn) executive director George Jobe commended the police for the arrests, but said more has to be done to curb drug theft.

Jobe asked all drugs and supplies meant for public hospitals to be branded MG as was in the past. n