NAFDAC Discovers Dangerous Counterfeit Drugs at Major Markets, Pledges Ongoing Enforcement"

 

‎The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned that its findings at three open drug markets could have dire consequences for millions of Nigerians. Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency's Director-General, made this announcement during a press conference in Lagos on Friday. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NAFDAC launched enforcement operations on February 10 at the Idumota Open Drug Market, the Ariaria Drug Market in Aba, and the Bridge Market in Onitsha.

‎Adeyeye reported that approximately 100 truckloads of counterfeit, banned, and unregistered drugs and narcotics were removed from these markets. She emphasized that these enforcement efforts at markets, which distribute over 80 percent of the nation’s medications, aim to eliminate falsified and unapproved drugs. She stated, "What we discovered during our operations at the Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha open drug markets poses a serious threat to public health and could severely impact the quality of life for many Nigerians."

‎The Director-General highlighted the potential dangers, noting that patients with conditions such as diabetes or hypertension could face life-threatening situations if they consume some of the drugs that were confiscated. "In Onitsha and Aba alone, we cleared nearly 80 truckloads of drugs from markets and various warehouses where the medications were improperly stored," she added.

‎Specific findings included the seizure of 12 truckloads of tramadol and four truckloads of codeine syrup, both of which have been banned for certain uses. These drugs were found hidden in sections of the markets typically designated for plumbing, fashion, and woodwork supplies.

‎NAFDAC has already destroyed 27 truckloads of the confiscated drugs from Idumota Market. Adeyeye vowed that the agency would continue its efforts to regulate activities at these markets until they are relocated to a properly coordinated wholesale center. The enforcement operations in the Idumota and Aba markets wrapped up on February 28, while those in Onitsha concluded on March 5.