- NAFDAC raided the Ogbo-Ogwu Market in Onitsha, seizing expired, banned, substandard, and counterfeit drugs, some disguised as popular brands
- The agency’s action aims to sanitize drug markets across South-East states and safeguard public health from potentially deadly or disabling medications
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has conducted a major raid at the Bridge Head drug market in Onitsha, Anambra State, confiscating large quantities of suspected counterfeit, substandard, and expired drugs worth millions of naira.
The operation was led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of NAFDAC South-East Zone. Authorities seized fake antibiotics, antihypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-asthmatic, aphrodisiacs, antimalarials, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Other confiscated items included banned substances such as analgin, tramadol (above 100 mg), gentamycin (280 mg), codeine, vaccines, and controlled substances.
Additionally, NAFDAC officials found unwholesome food items, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, chemicals, and repackaging materials like empty plastic containers, bags, and cans.
Dr. Iluyomade stated that the exercise aligns with NAFDAC’s mission to eliminate fake and banned products, ensuring consumer safety. He revealed that the operation was simultaneously conducted across all five South-East states to clean up drug markets.
“For some time, we have gathered intelligence on the circulation of fake and substandard drugs. Many traders have been repackaging counterfeit products into original manufacturers’ containers to deceive buyers,” he said.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the menace of fake drugs and urged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing medications.
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