Man arrested at Durban airport with R100k worth of Ivermectin tablets
Through numerous clinical trials, Ivermectin has been found to be ineffective against mitigating and managing the effects of Covid-19.
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A 42-year-old man was arrested at King Shaka International Airport for trying to smuggle illicit tablets with a market value of R100 000.
The man was found in possession of Ivermectin tablets which are used for “treatment and control of parasites in animals and (are) used to treat several tropical diseases in humans not commonly seen in South Africa, as well as scabies and head lice.”
Earlier this year, Ivermectin was wrongly touted as a drug that could mitigate and manage the effects of Covid-19.
Nevertheless, after a couple of clinical trials across the world, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) found that the drug was ineffective in mitigating and managing the effects of Covid-19.
The medicine is not registered with the SAHPRA, making it illegal to have in one’s possession
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According to police, the man arrived in the country from Dubai.
He was found with 2 464 tablets in his hand luggage at the airport, said police.
“The man has already appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court where he has been charged with being in possession of unregistered medicines and the importation of medicines without a valid permit,” said Colonel Athlenda Mathe, South African Police spokesperson.
The case has been postponed to Friday, 8 January 2020, for a formal bail application.
Source: SAHPRA’S guidance the use of Ivermectin in the prophylaxis or treatment of Covid-19 https://www.sahpra.org.za/news-and-updates/sahpras-guidance-on-the-use-of-ivermectin-in-the-prophylaxis-or-treatment-of-covid-19/
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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