9 tons of fake medicine seized in East Africa

(CNN) -- Authorities have seized 9,072 kilograms (20,000 pounds) of counterfeit medicine and arrested 80 people suspected of illegal trafficking in six East African nations, Interpol said Thursday.

More than 300 premises were checked or raided in the two-month operation across Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, according to a news release from the international police agency.

The confiscated loot included anti-malaria drugs, vaccines and antibiotics. There was also a significant quantity of government medicines diverted to illegal resale markets.

It was the third such seizure operation in as many years in East Africa, intended to curb the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit medical products.

Representatives of the six nations are scheduled to meet in Zanzibar next week to discuss the seizure and the extent of the counterfeiting problem, Interpol said.
The World Health Organization defines counterfeit drugs as "medicine, which is deliberately and fraudulently mislabelled with respect to identity and/or source."

Counterfeiting can apply to both brand-name and generic products, and forged products may include those with the correct ingredients or with the wrong ingredients, without active ingredients, with insufficient active ingredients, or with fake packaging, WHO says.

The United Nations agency created a global task force in 2006 to deal with the problem, which has been growing as international markets expand and become globalized and internet commerce has taken off.

The fake products can prove detrimental to public health efforts in disease-ridden countries and in worst-case scenarios can cause death, according to the WHO task force.

U.S. Envoy Hopes for Fair Polls

The US ambassador in the country, Mr Alfonso Lenhardt, has expressed his hopes that this year General Election will be peaceful and fair.

He made the remarks in Chukwani, just outside Zanzibar town, when talking to reporters after inspecting a new building for House of Representatives which was inaugurated recently by President Aman Abeid Karume.



Mr Lenhardt said he is happy that the recent move to reconcile Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and Civic United Front (CUF) has gone well and there are indication that October 31 General Election would result into a government of national unity.

He noted that without peace there was no democracy which can be practiced. He said if it is held under peaceful atmosphere, the election would create a conducive atmosphere for the resultant government to implement the development agenda.

He said the recent referendum has shown that Zanzibaris were ready and able to make decisions without fighting.

"My message and a message from American people is to wish you peaceful and fair elections. Even President Barack Obama has told President Jakaya Kikwete that he wishes Zanzibaris peaceful elections," he said.

He noted that Zanzibaris were duty bound to ensure they cherish the peace and tranquility even after the election.

He said the new building for House of Representatives should save as a catalyst in building true democracy in the Isles.

Ambassador Lenhardt also congratulated journalists for their hard work to educate wananchi on the importance of maintaining peace during the referendum process.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of a six member committee formed by the House of Representatives to oversee the referendum, Mr Ali Mzee Ali, congratulated US government for its assistance to Zanzibar.

He said US government contribution to Zanzibar was immense in various sectors of economy, social and political.


All Africa.com

"Kilimanjaro III" Kuimarisha Usafiri wa Baharini Zanzibar

Incat Crowther Designs Another Fast Cat Ferry

Incat Crowther announced a contract to design a third 121.3-ft Catamaran Passenger Ferry for Coastal Fast Ferries in Tanzania, Africa. To be built by Richardson Devine Marine (RDM), Kilimanjaro III will build on the experienced gained in the operation of sisterships Kilimanjaro I and Kilimanjaro II, previously designed by Incat Crowther for Coastal Fast Ferries.

Kilimanjaro I and II are significantly larger vessels than any fast ferries that have been deployed on the Zanzibar – Dar Es Salaam route, yet the vessels are nearly always running at full capacity. Needless to say, the operator is extremely happy with the success of these vessels, and has been working with Incat Crowther and RDM to develop a vessel that can take further advantage of the operation’s revenue-making potential.

Kilimanjaro III’s two significant enhancements are its increased passenger capacity and new generation hull form, which offers increased efficiency and improved seakeaping. The result is a vessel that will carry more passengers at less cost per-passenger to the operator.

As well as supplementing the operational capacity on the Zanzibar - Dar Es Salaam run at a higher service speed, Coastal Fast Ferries plan to use the vessel to expand their operation by extending the route to the island of Pemba. Kilimanjaro III is specifically suited for this added offshore work.

Taking advantage of its increased beam, Kilimanjaro III will carry 558 passengers in a mix of seating levels and styles. The main deck passenger deck features 249 economy class seats, with those nearest the aft kiosk equipped with tables. The aft end of the main deck has been reconfigured with a larger luggage room, located directly adjacent to the side crew ramps to speed up turn around.

The upper deck has outdoor seats for 107 passengers. Amidships there is a first class cabin with 74 seats. The sundeck has seats for a further 60 passengers. Kilimanjaro III will be powered by a pair of Cummins KTA50 engines, each producing 1340kW, and will have a service speed of 30 knots.

Incat Crowther is pleased to continue its relationship with Coastal Fast Ferries and believe the growth in business is a result of the company’s attention to client service and adding value to the client’s operation.

Specifications:
Length, o.a. 125 ft
Length, w.l. 122.5 ft
Beam, o.a. 34.5 ft
Draft, hull 3.7 ft
Draft, prop 5.11 ft
Depth 12 ft
Construction Marine grade aluminum

Capacities:
Fuel oil 1,585 gal
Fresh water 330 gal
Sullage 330 gal
Passengers 558

Propulsion & performance:
Speed 29 knots
Main engines 2x Cummins KTA50
Power 2x 1340kW @ 1900rpm
Propulsion 2x Propeller
Generators 2x Cummins, 170kVA, 50 Hz
1 x Cummins, 17kVA, 50 Hz

Angalizo:
Boti za Kilimanjaro awali zilikuwa zinajulikana kama Sea Express. Hadi sasa kuna Kilimanjaro I na II.


MarineLink.com

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