Authorities have called for an increase in fines to SR5 million and a two-year jail sentence for anyone selling unlicensed aphrodisiacs. Dr. Saleh Bawazir, Executive President for Drug Affairs at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) said the authority has referred a study to the Shoura Council, which calls for stiffer fines for illegal trade in these products. The study recommends “raising the ceiling for imprisonment from one year to two years and the fine from SR100,000 to SR5 million for peddlers and smugglers of unlicensed aphrodisiacs and those violating health conditions and specifications.” Bawazir said the study recommends increasing the prison sentence to 10 years if a user of the aphrodisiac is harmed by the product. He pointed out that the SFDA is presently focusing its efforts on countering “suitcase traders” who can reach users faster through deceptive advertisements. According to Bawazir, the SFDA is participating with other government authorities, including the emirates of the regions, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs in combating aphrodisiac peddlers and smugglers.
