Africa-Press – Gambia. The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday remanded an unauthorized medicines seller at Mile II Central Prison pending his sentencing.
Sidiki Hydra was arraigned before Magistrate Binta Sowe on a charge of storing medicinal products without lawful authority, contrary to Section 59(1)(e) of the Medicines and Related Products Act, 2014. He appeared in court without legal representation.
According to the charge sheet, the offence occurred on 24 June 2025 at Serrekunda in the Kanifing Municipality. Prosecutors said Hydra was found in possession of a large quantity of medicinal products, including capsules, sprays, syrups, teas, tablets, creams, and supplements marketed for sexual enhancement, body modification, fertility, skin care, and general health. The items were allegedly stored without approval from the relevant authorities.
When the charge was read to him in a local language he understood, Hydra pleaded guilty.
The prosecution said officers from the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), in a joint operation with other security personnel, conducted a search of Hydra’s shop and seized the medicines, which he confirmed and signed. Hydra was later taken to Serrekunda Police Station with the seized items.
A voluntary statement was also obtained from Hydra during investigations, and the prosecution requested that the seized medicines be handed over to the MCA for destruction, which the court granted.
In mitigation, Hydra asked for leniency, stating he was unaware that the medicines required registration and authorized storage. He said he employs Gambians and has family responsibilities, noting that all his goods had been seized.
However, Magistrate Sowe remanded Hydra at Mile II Central Prison, stressing that the sale of unauthorized medicines posed a serious public health risk. “This is something society needs to be aware of,” she said. The court adjourned the case to 8 January 2026 at 12:00 noon for sentencing.
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