The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed expired, falsified, controlled, unregistered, and banned medicines worth an estimated N100 billion. The agency seized the drugs from the Idumota Open Drug Market in Lagos during a recent enforcement operation.
NAFDAC revealed on its official X handle on Sunday that the destruction of the illegal drugs took place at the Lapite Dumpsite in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.
“The destruction took place at the Lapite Dumpsite in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State, with the confiscated products valued at an estimated N100 billion,” the agency stated.
According to NAFDAC, several suspects were arrested during the operation, and those found guilty will face strict penalties.
NAFDAC Seals Over 3,000 Shops in Lagos
The enforcement operation, which lasted three weeks, led to the closure of 3,027 shops in the Idumota Open Drug Market. The agency launched the operation on February 10 to eliminate dangerous and unregulated pharmaceuticals from Nigeria’s supply chain.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, confirmed that the agency evacuated 27 trucks filled with fake and unregistered drugs from the Idumota market.
“This effort is crucial in riding Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market of dangerous drugs and protecting public health,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.
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Calls for Stricter Punishments for Drug Offenders
In response to the growing threat of counterfeit drugs, NAFDAC is calling for the death penalty or life sentences for individuals involved in illicit drug trafficking.
Prof. Adeyeye made this appeal at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, urging the National Assembly to amend the NAFDAC Act and Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Act.
“Drug crimes have led to the deaths of innocent Nigerians, including children. Stronger punishments will serve as a deterrent and strengthen regulatory efforts,” she stated.
Nationwide Crackdown on Fake Drugs
NAFDAC has extended its enforcement operations beyond Lagos. The agency raided major drug markets in Aba and Onitsha, where officials discovered illegal drug packaging and sales of counterfeit medicines.
Among the seized drugs were:
– Fake contraceptives, including Postinor-2
– Counterfeit Ampiclox GSK sourced from India
– Unregistered narcotics and falsified anti-malaria drugs, such as Claratem-QS and Maloxine Tablets
– Hidden stocks of vaccines, including Yellow Fever, Anti-Tetanus, Measles, and Diphtheria vaccines
– Improperly stored Oxytocin, a crucial drug for maternal health
NAFDAC Intensifies Efforts to Protect Nigerians
NAFDAC has assured Nigerians that it will not relent in its efforts to remove dangerous drugs from the market.
“This operation is a significant step in saving lives. We will continue to monitor drug distribution hubs and take swift action against illegal drug dealers,” Prof. Adeyeye said.
The agency has also encouraged the public to report suspicious drug activities to help combat the spread of fake medicines.