A pharmacy located on Dambethenna Road in Haputale has been found selling expired medicines and allegedly altering prices, following a sudden raid conducted by Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) officials.
The raid was carried out yesterday (20) by investigation officers attached to the Badulla District Consumer Affairs Authority, who uncovered several serious violations at the premises.
According to officials, the pharmacy had allegedly:
• Kept expired medicines for sale
• Altered printed prices on expired medicines before offering them to customers
• Removed original marked prices and displayed higher prices
Authorities said the actions not only amounted to unfair exploitation of consumers but also posed a serious threat to public health.
The stock of illegal medicines found at the pharmacy was immediately taken into custody by officials.
Legal action is expected to be filed against the suspect business owner before the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court.
The Consumer Affairs Authority urged the public to carefully check manufacturing dates, expiry dates and printed prices when purchasing medicines, and advised consumers to always request a receipt.
The CAA also requested the public to report similar incidents via its hotline 1977 during office hours. (Newswire)