OUAGADOUGOU—The General Directorate of Veterinary Services (DGSV), with the assistance of the municipal police, arrested a man in Ouagadougou on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, for the illegal sale of veterinary pharmaceutical products. The arrest led to the seizure of 108 sachets of medicine valued at approximately 300,000 FCFA, according to the Ministry in charge of Animal Resources.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the products were imported from a neighboring country and sold online in Burkina Faso. The municipal police conducted investigations that culminated in the arrest. The suspect stated that he had started this activity in April 2024 and was only on his second order. He claimed to be unaware of the law prohibiting the sale of veterinary pharmaceutical products by unauthorized individuals.

Dr. Rimibtiri Segda, head of the medicines and veterinary profession department, stated that the suspect is accused of importing, possessing, advertising, and selling counterfeit veterinary medicines. "These are unapproved drugs whose active ingredients we do not know. The use of these drugs could affect both animal and human health," Dr. Segda emphasized.

He further reminded the public that, according to the animal health and veterinary public health code, only licensed pharmacists with pharmacies, veterinary doctors, or groups of veterinarians are authorized to hold and sell veterinary products. Additionally, advertising these drugs is strictly prohibited. Violations of the law on the sale of veterinary medicines can result in financial penalties and/or imprisonment, as stipulated by current regulations.