Saleh Bawazir, deputy CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), has repeatedly warned against the increasing spread of fake cures by companies and individuals from outside who target the Saudi market to make quick gains regardless of the hazards these medicines pose to the lives of people. The medicines and medical equipment these people distribute in the Kingdom may not be suitable for human use.

Simultaneously, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Zibin, director of Saudi Interpol, has also warned against the remarkable increase in the manufacture of fake medicines and medical equipment and their illegal distribution in the local market. He cautioned that about 30 percent of the medicines in Asia, Africa and Latin America might be counterfeit.

We are, therefore, facing a big crime representing a big disaster. The deputy CEO of the SFDA has indicated that some hospitals in the Kingdom deal with these types of unregistered medicines and fake medical equipment. The catastrophe is not limited to artificial medicines but also extends to fake car spare parts, electronics and toys. The fake spare parts and tires cause disasters on our streets while the toys may cause health problems in our children.

There are provisions for preventing trading in fake medicines and medical equipment, including fines of up to SR100,000. I know that after the spread of this crime, there was an amendment in the law to raise the punishment to SR5 million in fine and a year in prison. The question is: Why not add fake spare parts, electronics and toys to this law?

I call on the legislative bodies to expedite codifying the law to make it more comprehensive and block the road in front of those who want to get rich at the expense of Saudi citizens.