Expat Arrested for Illegal Veterinary Medications Possession in Saudi Arabia
In a recent incident in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, an expatriate worker, acting as a representative for a business, found himself in hot water when he was apprehended for his involvement in the illegal preparation and possession of veterinary drugs without the necessary permits. The arrest took place during a scorching heat wave, as the individual was caught by criminal investigation officers while delivering these veterinary medications in a non-refrigerated truck that lacked essential heat maps or temperature gauges.
The authorities first took notice of the expat during an inspection tour in the city of Dammam. Upon discovery, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) promptly initiated legal action against the worker, and he was subsequently referred to the Public Prosecution.
The SFDA revealed that the investigation uncovered the expat's possession of unregistered veterinary medicinal preparations and the creation of veterinary drugs from scratch. These homemade preparations included a spray for curing parasites and another spray for treating various eye-related illnesses in animals.
This incident highlights the significance of adhering to the regulations and licensing requirements when dealing with veterinary medications in Saudi Arabia. The SFDA continues to take strict measures to ensure the safety and well-being of animals by cracking down on illegal and unregistered veterinary drug activities.