The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) announced that its pharmaceutical inspection teams, in coordination with relevant security authorities, carried out intensive inspection campaigns across seven governorates: Gharbia, Cairo, Qalyubia, Alexandria, Luxor, Sohag, and Beheira. This is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen control over the Egyptian pharmaceutical market.

The campaigns resulted in the seizure of several unlicensed warehouses used for the distribution of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products of unknown origin.

This action reflects the EDA’s commitment to ensuring that medicines and medical products available in the market meet standards of safety, efficacy, and quality, while continuing efforts to enhance regulatory oversight and enforce legal requirements governing the circulation of medical products.

Key findings by governorate:

Gharbia:
An unlicensed factory used for filling, packaging, and storing medicines and dietary supplements was seized. Around 60,000 units of tablets, syrups, and creams of various forms were confiscated, labeled with therapeutic claims but lacking invoices and of unknown origin.

In addition, approximately 5,000 kg of raw materials (powder sacks and alcohol containers) were seized without documentation. Authorities also confiscated five machines used for mixing and packaging, 480 expired units, around 70,000 empty cartons, and 325 kg of packaging rolls. Another unlicensed warehouse linked to the same facility was also discovered.

Cairo:
Authorities uncovered illegal online trading of medicines via social media. Following investigation and coordination with security agencies, an unlicensed warehouse affiliated with a pharmacy was raided, containing unregistered medicines, cosmetics of unknown origin, and expired products.

Qalyubia:
An unlicensed warehouse used for storing and distributing medicines was seized, containing medicines of unknown origin without invoices.

Alexandria:
Two unlicensed warehouses inside a private hospital were seized, containing medical supplies of unknown origin, as well as expired medicines and narcotic drugs distributed outside legal frameworks.

Luxor:
An unlicensed pharmacy operating inside a private hospital was seized, found in possession of narcotic medicines circulated illegally.

Sohag:
An unlicensed clinic was found storing medicines of unknown origin and unregistered products.

Beheira:
An unlicensed medical supplies store was seized containing medical solutions, expired medicines, and unverified medical products.

Legal procedures have been taken in all cases, and reports were filed with the relevant authorities for referral to the Public Prosecution.

The Egyptian Drug Authority reiterated its commitment to continuing nationwide inspection campaigns and taking strict legal action against any violations that could endanger public health.

It also urged citizens not to purchase medicines from unlicensed online platforms or outside approved pharmaceutical establishments, and to report violations through official channels and the hotline 15301.