The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) announced that, in cooperation with the relevant security agencies, it successfully apprehended a group of individuals at a market within Cairo Governorate. They were found in possession of expired vitamins and cosmetics, following multiple complaints and as part of efforts to monitor the pharmaceutical market and apprehend violators of the law.
The incident began when various social media platforms and news outlets circulated information and images showing individuals selling medicines outside licensed pharmacies at a public market in Cairo. Complaints were also received by the EDA about the circulation of medicines and cosmetics outside licensed pharmaceutical establishments.
Accordingly, coordination was carried out with the Ministry of Interior and relevant investigation units to organize joint campaigns at the identified market, which operates one day a week. A group of individuals was arrested within Cairo Governorate (""the reported location""). They were unlicensed to practice pharmacy and were selling these products. The confiscated items included cosmetics, skincare products, and other regulated items, as well as various vitamins and a small quantity of pharmaceutical products. Unregistered products and expired nutritional supplements were also seized, amounting to approximately 700 items, most of which lacked expiration dates. The seized items were confiscated, and six reports were filed to present the case to the competent prosecution for further action.
The EDA continues to monitor joint campaigns at unlicensed locations to regulate the pharmaceutical market. It also urges citizens to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmaceutical institutions, which are subject to inspections ensuring compliance with health standards, the sale of registered products, and the provision of proper pharmaceutical advice.
These efforts are part of the EDA’s mission to ensure the availability of safe, effective, and high-quality medical products, benefiting the health of Egyptian citizens.