NAFDAC Destroys ₦100bn Worth of Counterfeit Drugs and Other Products in Oyo
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed counterfeit pharmaceuticals and other products valued at approximately ₦100 billion on Saturday at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan, Oyo State.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Narcotics, Yedunni Adenuga, stated that the affected products included banned substances like Analgin and controlled drugs such as Tramadol 225mg.
She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and beverages.
“The products classified as illicit, expired, and banned were seized during raids on three major markets in the country,” she said. “Our enforcement operations at the Idumota, Onitsha, Ariaria, and Ezeuku open drug markets revealed shocking discoveries of unregistered and dangerous substances that pose significant security threats.”
Adeyeye acknowledged the support of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who approved the deployment of over 1,000 security personnel, including the Military, Police, and Department of State Services, to aid in the crackdown.
“Today, we are destroying expired, falsified, controlled, unregistered, and banned medicines confiscated from Idumota open drug outlets. The estimated street value of these products is ₦100 billion,” she added.
During the three-week operation, several suspects were arrested, and investigations are ongoing to hold those responsible accountable.
Meanwhile, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Shaba Mohammed, reiterated that selling drugs in open markets is illegal and punishable under Nigerian law.
“It is a criminal offence to sell drugs in open markets, vehicles, kiosks, or hawk them on the streets,” Mohammed warned.
