The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Monday launched a major enforcement operation at the Ogbo-Ogu Market, Bridge Head, Onitsha, Anambra State, seizing large quantities of fake, substandard, and expired drugs.
The raid, led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director for the South-East Zone, was part of a coordinated crackdown across the region to rid markets of counterfeit and dangerous pharmaceuticals.
Addressing journalists, Iluyomade explained that intelligence gathered over time revealed rampant repackaging and rebagging of fake drugs at the market. He emphasized that such activities pose serious health risks, including potential fatalities or permanent disabilities for unsuspecting consumers.
“This enforcement is aimed at sanitizing drug markets and protecting public health. We have confiscated expired, banned, and substandard drugs, as well as counterfeited medicinal products. Some dealers repackage fake drugs into branded containers to deceive buyers,” he said.
Among the seized items were antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics, anti-asthmatics, aphrodisiacs, antimalarials, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal remedies, and psychoactive substances. Also confiscated were banned drugs such as analgin, high-dose tramadol (above 100 mg), gentamycin (280 mg), codeine, and controlled substances. Other unwholesome products, including vaccines, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, chemicals, and food items, were also found.
Iluyomade urged consumers to buy medicines only from licensed outlets and assured that security operatives and NAFDAC investigators would continue monitoring the market. He, however, did not provide an estimated value of the confiscated products, noting that the operation was still ongoing.
The enforcement exercise was conducted in collaboration with market task forces, trade unions, and other key stakeholders to ensure compliance and accountability.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
