By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a major enforcement operation simultaneously across all South-East states.
An operation at Ogbo-Ogwu Market, Bridge Head, Onitsha, in Anambra State, led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director, South East Zone, seized large quantities of adulterated, substandard and expired drugs.
The exercise, conducted in collaboration with the market task force, targeted dealers engaged in repackaging and rebagging counterfeit drugs to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
Products seized included antibiotics, anti-diabetics, anti-hypertensives, psychoactive substances, antimalarials, aphrodisiacs, unregistered vaccines and banned drugs such as tramadol (above 100 mg) and codeine. Unwholesome food, cosmetics, and chemicals were also confiscated.
NAFDAC emphasises that these counterfeit products pose serious health risks, including death or permanent disability. The agency reaffirms its commitment to protecting public health and urges stakeholders to continue reporting suspicious activities.
The monetary value of confiscated products will be determined upon the conclusion of the ongoing operation.
