Riyadh warehouse fined SR112,000 for counterfeit and mishandled drugs

Dubai: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed a fine of SR112,000 on a pharmaceutical warehouse in Riyadh and referred the case to the Public Prosecution, after uncovering serious breaches of pharmaceutical regulations.

In a statement, the authority explained that the warehouse was found in possession of pharmaceutical products sourced from an unlicensed entity, in clear violation of the rules governing the circulation and distribution of medical products in the Kingdom.

Further investigations revealed that the facility transported pharmaceutical items using unapproved methods, failing to meet required standards for handling sensitive medical goods.

The SFDA warned that such practices can expose medications to harmful conditions, compromising their efficacy, stability, or safety.

The warehouse was also found trading counterfeit pharmaceutical products, which led to the case being referred to the Public Prosecution. These actions fall under violations listed in Paragraph (2) of Article 34 of the Pharmaceutical and Herbal Products Facilities Law.

The law stipulates that individuals who sell, dispense, or possess counterfeit, spoiled, expired, or unregistered pharmaceutical or herbal products with intent to trade may face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to SR10 million, or both.

The SFDA reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement of national health standards and urged all pharmaceutical entities to adhere to licensed sourcing channels and approved transportation methods to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical products distributed across the Kingdom.