REPORT: Lebanon's battle against counterfeit drugs throughout the years

   
The issue of counterfeit medications started in November 2012 when the involvement of several known persons were revealed, among whom was Minister Mohammad Fneish’s brother, Abdul Latif Fneish, who turned himself on Friday to the authorities at the Baabda Judicial palace.           

Though it began in November, this issue is not new since Lebanon has bore witness to a series of counterfeit drug-related scandals.               

In 1998, Deputy Ismail Succarieh revealed the entry of a large amount of counterfeit drugs to Lebanon and the file was closed when unknown assailants broke into the judicial palace and stole the file.                  

In 2004, another scandal was revealed when medical products were withdrawn from the Lebanese markets and a resolution was ratified calling for suspending the use of these products since they are smuggled and lacking genuineness.     

As for the accused persons, their whereabouts remained unknown.                   

Accordingly, in 2010 counterfeit and expired drugs were found in 7 pharmacies and 4 drug warehouses that were all closed upon an official decision. However, these institutions were reopened under a political cover.           

In 2012, the counterfeit medicine issue was brought to light once again when forged documents related to medicine importations were exposed, and three import companies were accused in the case including “City Pharma”, “New All Pharma” and “International Pharma Group”.          

Following investigations and the accusation of Abdul Latif Fneish, the latter turned himself in, while the three companies continue on "business as usual".


For the full report, please click on the VIDEO above.