The Director of the National Drugs Authority Dr. Hemantha Benaragama warned Lankans not to purchase medicines, especially drugs that were purported to enhance sexual performance over the internet.

He said that he had a meeting Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa regarding the issue and that a unit would be set up in collaboration with the Customs, Interpol and the CID to monitor such activities.

“There is a tendency of buying medicines through the internet,” Dr. Benaragama said.

According to law, drugs cannot be advertised without the approval of the particular country’s drugs authority but many websites advertise and sell such drugs.

“Any kind of medicine should be registered in a country where it is marketed and during the registration process the country’s regulatory authority would evaluate it and see whether the drug was suitable and safe,” he said.

“Three parameters are considered when issuing a permit: quality, safety and efficiency. None of these are followed by sellers on the internet.

“The danger is that these drugs could be counterfeit or fake and even contain poisonous ingredients. Many deaths are reported in the Western countries.
“The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of the United States had listed the names of such fraudulent vendors.

“In Sri Lanka the number of incidents reported is low but still there are people who buy drugs and cosmetic items through the internet.

Dr. Benaragama requested the public not to buy medicines through e-prescribing through the internet.

He said that many people bought drugs advertised as performance enhancers.

He said the Customs had a large role to play and advised the Customs to check the imports if they had any doubt. (Chaturnga Pradeep)