Egyptian citizens have been imprisoned in a number of Arab countries on charges of possessing prescription drugs classified as narcotic substances, according to an Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement released on Monday.
The statement did not indicate the number of citizens arrested or detained. It revealed, however, prison terms for such charges can reach several years.
In the statement, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Abdel Hakam said the defendants were questioned and then sent to trial where they received sentences. The narcotics found in their possession, Abdel-Hakam added, include Tramadol, Librax, and Rovamycine–pharmaceutical drugs banned in all Arab countries.
Abdel Hakam warned Egyptian citizens travelling abroad from carrying such drugs, saying citizens who suffer from illnesses requiring treatment should obtain medical certificates validated by accredited authorities in their countries of residence or employment.
Translated from the Arabic.
