In a recent report, the control administration at the Supreme Board for Drugs & Medical Appliances recorded over 170 cases of counterfeited and smuggled medicines during the first half of 2008.

The board recorded 155 cases of people attempting to smuggle drugs through Sana'a International Airport. Among the amount seized were  715,000 of narcotic pills. Likewise, Haradh border outlet recorded 15 cases of medicine smuggling, especially of tension, allergy, diabetes, fever, ulcer, and obesity drugs. 

According to the report, 16 items were proved to be incompatible with the international standards of medicine after taking random samples from different pharmacies in the capital. It hinted that these 16 items were produced by local, Arab and international drug companies.

Meanwhile, the board licensed 515 drug samples that arrived in Sana'a Airport earlier this year. These drugs will be circulated and distributed in the domestic market after tests proved them to be safe for public use.

Like many other countries, Yemen suffers greatly from smuggled drugs and the board cooperates with security apparatuses, customs, and border guards to control and confiscate counterfeited drugs.

Official statistics estimated the value of drug consumption as for the locally produced and imported drugs at $225 million, an increase of 15 percent from last year.