FIC Report (Anambra State) – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raided the popular drug market at Bridge Head, Onitsha, Anambra State, confiscating large quantities of suspected substandard, adulterated, and expired drugs worth millions of naira.
The operation, led by the Director of NAFDAC South East Zone, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, took the traders by surprise as the team moved from shop to shop, removing a wide range of drugs.
Products found to be fake or counterfeit included antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs, anti-diabetic drugs, anti-asthmatic medications, aphrodisiacs, antimalarials, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal remedies, and psychoactive drugs.
There were also banned drugs such as analgin, tramadol (above 100 mg), gentamicin (280 mg), codeine, controlled substances, vaccines, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, chemicals, unwholesome food, empty plastics, bags, cans, and other items.
Iluyomade stated that the exercise was in line with the agency’s mandate to eradicate fake, banned, and other spurious NAFDAC-regulated products from circulating in Nigeria, thereby preventing unsuspecting members of the public from falling victim.
The director, who explained that the exercise was triggered by the data that was collected and the intelligence being gathered over time on fake products in the market, stated that the agency was collaborating with the market task force and that the operation was being conducted simultaneously across all five South-East states.
He further exposed that some drug dealers are imitating popular drugs and pouring them into containers of the original manufacturer in order to deceive unsuspecting members of the public, which are dangerous and can lead to death or permanent disability for the consumer.
He advised the public to patronize only licensed and registered drug outlets, adding that security operatives, the agency’s investigative team, and other stakeholders were on the ground to monitor and ensure the smooth enforcement of the operation.
Signed
Ibeneme Maria Nkilimma
Senior Info and Pub Relations Officer
