The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas must be vigilant in combating rogue operators and counterfeit pharmaceutical suppliers, the Minister of Health said yesterday, describing the issue as a relatively new and emerging problem for the Bahamas.

Speaking with Tribune Business following a Cabinet meeting, Dr Perry Gomez said: It hasn't been as prevalent over the years, but I think it's a new and emerging problem. It's relatively new. We have to be very vigilant .The Bahamas could be used, and people may fall prey to it because of the proximity of the Bahamas to the United States, the biggest market. I think that's what it's all about."

Tribune Business reported on Monday that the US government is seeking $95 million from a Canadian citizen charged with using a Freeport-based pharmacy, licensed by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), to export and sell illegal prescription drugs to US citizens.

A copy of the June 14, 2012, indictment against Andrew Strempler, which has been obtained by Tribune Business, alleges that he and others used the trade name of Personal Touch Pharmacy, a GBPA-licensed entity, to "operate a facility in Freeport" that effectively acted as a distribution clearing house - sending prescription drugs sourced from around the world to various destinations, including the US.

As the pharmaceutical drugs sold through the Freeport facility were not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), the indictment alleged that it was illegal to sell them to US citizens.

Dr Gomez said he was unable to comment on this particular incident, telling Tribune Business: "It's something I will have to look into to see who all were involved, and to see that the appropriate actions are taken if indeed it is true.

"We have pharmacy councils that discipline pharmacists, and I'm sure that should be a matter for them to deal with."

Tribune Business was unable to reach Bahamas Pharmacy Council Chairman Philip Gray for comment, although an executive indicated that the council would not comment on the matter as it is before the courts.