The National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested at least 40 suspects and destroyed banned pharmaceutical and other products worth N100 billion in a major crackdown on illicit drug activities.

The operation targeted markets in Idumota, Onitsha, Ariara, and Ezeuku, where counterfeit, unregistered, and banned products were seized.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Christiana Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a destruction exercise held at the Dumpsite in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Represented by Mrs. Yedunni Adenuga, Director of Narcotics and Control Services, Prof. Adeyeye described the discovery of counterfeit and banned products in major markets across the country as “mind-boggling.”

Among the seized items were banned pharmaceutical products such as Analgin and controlled substances like Tramadol 225mg.

Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that these illicit products contribute to insecurity in the country, stating, “The discoveries made of the presence of unregistered products, banned products such as Analgin, controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg amongst others, are part of the things making our country unsafe in terms of security.”

The operation was carried out with the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who approved the deployment of over 1000 security personnel, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

During the destruction exercise, Prof. Adeyeye revealed that the seized products included expired, falsified, controlled, unregistered, and banned medicines removed from Idumota Open Drugs outlets.

She added, “The estimated street value of these products being destroyed stands at one hundred billion naira.”

The Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Pharm. Shaba Mohammed, highlighted the illegality of selling drugs in open markets, stating that such acts are punishable under the law.

“It is a punishable offense to sell drugs in an open market. Also, it is illegal for people to hawk drugs inside vehicles, kiosks, and open markets,” he said.

NAFDAC’s three-week operation led to the arrest of several suspects, with further investigations ongoing.

Those found culpable would face sanctions as part of the agency’s efforts to curb the circulation of harmful and illegal pharmaceutical products in the country.

For Advert, Event Coverage/Press Conference Invite, Story/Article & Other Media Services
Contact Us On WhatsApp
Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest And Interesting News Across Nigeria And The World