Unregistered medicines found in a clothing shop in Bahrain have led to severe consequences for the shopkeeper, as the Court of Cassation has ordered the closure of the shop and confiscation of its goods. The shopkeeper had been storing drugs outside of a licensed pharmacy and failed to register them with the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA). This penalty includes the removal of all items and tools found on-site, including the medicines discovered during a routine check by an NHRA officer. These medicines were typically only found in licensed pharmacies and were not on the NHRA’s records.
The case began when the Public Prosecution charged the shopkeeper with these offenses in 2023, leading to a fine of BD5,000 and the closure of the shop by the Minor Criminal Court. However, the shopkeeper refused to accept the ruling and decided to appeal the decision. During the appeals process, his lawyer argued that the shopkeeper was unaware of the medicines found on the premises and denied any wrongdoing. The lawyer claimed that the confiscated goods actually belonged to a neighboring shop and that the case files lacked solid evidence proving that the items were indeed medicines. Despite these arguments, the Court of Appeals upheld the initial ruling.
The discovery of unregistered medicines in a budget fashion shop in Bahrain has resulted in a significant financial penalty for the shopkeeper, as well as the closure of the shop and confiscation of its goods by the Court of Cassation. The shopkeeper’s failure to store the drugs at a licensed pharmacy and register them with the NHRA led to these severe consequences. The medicines found on the premises were only supposed to be available in licensed pharmacies and were not recorded by the NHRA. This case highlights the importance of following regulations and guidelines when dealing with pharmaceutical products in Bahrain.
The shopkeeper’s appeal against the initial ruling of a fine and shop closure was unsuccessful, as the Court of Appeals upheld the decision made by the Minor Criminal Court. Despite arguments from the shopkeeper’s lawyer claiming ignorance of the medicines and pointing out inconsistencies in the evidence, the court determined that the shopkeeper was in violation of regulations and deserved the penalty imposed. This case serves as a reminder to all businesses in Bahrain to comply with the laws and regulations set forth by the NHRA and other health authorities to avoid legal troubles and penalties.
It is crucial for businesses in Bahrain to adhere to the rules and regulations concerning the storage and sale of medicines to ensure the safety and well-being of the public. The discovery of unregistered medicines in a clothing shop highlights the risks associated with not following proper protocols and guidelines set by health authorities. The severe consequences faced by the shopkeeper in this case should serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to cut corners or ignore regulations when it comes to pharmaceutical products. Compliance with health regulations is essential for all businesses to operate legally and responsibly.
The closure of the shop and confiscation of its goods by the Court of Cassation sends a strong message about the importance of adhering to regulations and guidelines set by health authorities in Bahrain. Businesses must prioritize the safety and well-being of their customers by following the proper procedures for storing and selling medicines. The severe penalties imposed on the shopkeeper in this case serve as a warning to others who may be tempted to engage in illegal activities or neglect their responsibilities when it comes to pharmaceutical products. It is essential for businesses to maintain integrity and compliance with the law to avoid legal troubles and protect the public from potential harm.
