Officials in Ethiopia have shut down a major drug store in the east African country reported to be selling banned substances to athletes.
An investigation has now been launched into the operations of the pharmacy said to be offering blood-boosting substance EPO to athletes, according to Ethiopia’s Anti-Doping Office.
The AP reported that the pharmacy will now halt operations for three months to make way for investigations while the manager of the facility has had his pharmaceutical license revoked for six months.
The British newspaper, the Guardian and German broadcaster ARD had undertaken an undercover investigation which found EPO to be easily accessible at the said pharmacy while Ethiopia’s national athletics championships took place in May.
The Ethiopian Anti-Doping Office in a statement said the said banned substance was “sold to athletes.”
Last year the Ethiopia was ordered by the IAAF and World Anti-Doping Agency to carry out more doping tests on its top athletes.
The latest incident only puts pressure on the country in its quest to deal with doping among its athletes.
Source: Africafeeds.com
