· Destruction of Counterfeit Products: NAFDAC has destroyed counterfeit and expired regulated products worth over N100 billion .
· Arrests and Shutdowns: Over 40 suspects have been arrested, and more than 11,000 shops have been shut down in the ongoing nationwide clampdown on fake and substandard medicines .
· Targeted Markets: NAFDAC has targeted major markets, including Idumota open drug market, Ariaria drug market in Aba, and Bridge Market in Onitsha, which distribute over 80% of medications nationwide .
· Enforcement Operations: NAFDAC began enforcement operations on February 10, with support from the National Security Agency, which provided over 1,000 security personnel .
· Commitment to Combating Counterfeit Drugs: NAFDAC has reaffirmed its commitment to combating the production and distribution of counterfeit and falsified drugs across the country .
National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) has arrested over 40 suspects and destroyed banned pharmaceutical and other products worth N100 billion.
This was disclosed by the Director General, NAFDAC, Professor Christiana Mojisola Adeyeye during the destruction exercise which held at the Dumpsite, Moniya in Akinyele Local Government area of the state.
Represented by Mrs Yedunni Adenuga, Director, Narcotics and Control Services, the NAFDAC boss said the seizure of the banned items was made at the Idumota, Onitsha, Ariara and Ezeuku.
The affected pharmaceutical products include Analgin, controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg, amongst others.
Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, has been actively working to combat counterfeit and unregistered products in Nigeria. Recently, she oversaw the destruction of expired, fake, controlled, unregistered, and banned medicines worth approximately N100 billion, which were seized from various markets, including Idumota Open Drugs outlets .
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the significance of this operation, which was made possible through the support of the National Security Advisor, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and over 1,000 security personnel. She highlighted the presence of unregistered and banned products, such as Analgin and Tramadol 225mg, which pose a significant threat to national security and public health.
Under Prof. Adeyeye’s leadership, NAFDAC has been working tirelessly to ensure that only safe and regulated products are available to the public. Her efforts have led to several convictions, including a notable case where a counterfeiter was sentenced to 5 years in prison with an option of a fine of N300,000 .
NAFDAC has been cracking down on illegal drug sales and counterfeiting. Recently, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Pharm. Shaba Mohammed, emphasized that selling drugs in open markets, vehicles, kiosks, or other unauthorized spaces is a punishable offense .
This stern warning comes after a three-week operation that led to the arrest of several suspects. Further investigations are underway, and those found guilty will face sanctions. NAFDAC’s efforts aim to protect public health and safety by ensuring that only approved and regulated pharmaceutical products are available in the market.
Some of the banned substances and products seized by NAFDAC include Analgin, Tramadol 225mg, and other unregistered or fake pharmaceuticals . The agency has also destroyed expired, fake, and unwholesome products worth billions of naira in various parts of the country .
