NAFDAC uncovers 2 trailer loads of prohibited drugs in Anambra
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced a shocking discovery of prohibited drugs concealed within plumbing materials shops at the Onitsha Bridgehead Drug Market.
The agency in a statement shared on X handle on Saturday, said that it seized two trailer loads of “unregistered narcotics, banned tramadol, and counterfeit drugs hidden in these shops”.
FCNN had reported that traders in the market had accused NAFDAC of targeting non-drug sections during the operation.
However, the agency noted that its search was intelligence-led, adding that it revealed large quantities of illicit pharmaceuticals, the anti-drug agency revealed in a statement shared on X handle on Saturday.
The agency said the success of the operation was attributed to the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The ongoing exercise has led to the discovery of illicit drugs worth billions of naira.
“Without the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the progress made in this operation would not have been possible.
The market, comprising multiple buildings and shops, operates as a hub for repackaging and revalidating expired medicines under false claims, before selling to unsuspecting consumers.
“Since the enforcement operation began over a week ago, NAFDAC has removed at least 10 fully loaded 40-foot trucks of fake, substandard, and adulterated drugs from the market, some falsely claiming NAFDAC approval,” the statement noted.
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In response to the discovery, the Chairman of the Onitsha Building Materials Traders Association, Chief Ejiofor Chikodi, announced stringent measures to deter such practices in the future.
“Shop owners found in possession of counterfeit drugs will face a hefty fine of N500,000,” Chikodi said.
— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) February 22, 2025
