Only Strong Courts Can Cure Fake Drugs

While it is pleasing to read that authorities in Syria have seized thousands of fake medicines before they can reach vulnerable patients ("No Cure For Fake Drugs," Feb. 16), there can be no lasting cure while the rule of law remains weak.

When courts of law are stifled, or politically influenced, it is impossible for either private action or criminal proceedings to deter the counterfeiters. In Nigeria, for example, where fake drugs has been chronic for many years, Dr. Paul Orhii, director general of the country's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, admits that "the criminals . . . very often go scot-free in court. On many occasions they have taken advantage of the court's sluggish procedures to delay justice and even circumvent it."

It is therefore worrying that your article reports that in Syria "at least 65 people were detained; it couldn't be learned if they were charged. A trial date hasn't yet been set."

Fake drugs can only be tackled through institutions like strong, independent courts. It's no coincidence that where such conditions exist, the problem is far less severe.