The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed substandard products, including falsified drugs, medical devices, and other unwholesome regulated products worth ₦43 billion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday.
The exercise took place at a dumpsite in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Christiana Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Shabba Mohammed, stated that the counterfeit products had been voluntarily handed over to the agency by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations, and trade unions.
Providing a breakdown of the seized products, Adeyeye noted that several raids were carried out at various locations, leading to the confiscation of both unregistered and registered pharmaceutical items.
She stated, “The confiscated products include aphrodisiacs, sex enhancement drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and prescription-only medications.
“More than 30 types of products were seized in total. These included banned Codeine substances, narcotic drugs, antimalarials, aphrodisiacs, analgesics, and antibiotics worth over ₦48 million, all confiscated from drug hawkers.
“NAFDAC also gathered intelligence on the illegal warehousing, sale, and distribution of Schedule One narcotics by certain pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and other locations across the country.
“The Investigation and Enforcement Directorate raided several pharmaceutical warehouses and premises nationwide, seizing products worth over ₦700 million.”
She further explained that additional items for destruction were mopped up from circulation during raids by the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.
“These included illicit and unregistered pharmaceutical products such as Codeine syrup, expired Tramadol, aphrodisiacs, antimalarials, and other drugs.
“Other confiscated items included contraband soaps, tomato paste, unregistered and counterfeit drinks, food products, perfumes, and body sprays.”
Adeyeye called on the public to support NAFDAC in its fight against counterfeit drugs, fake products, and unwholesome processed food by reporting unscrupulous manufacturers and businessmen engaging in illegal practices to the nearest NAFDAC office for prompt investigation.
The exercise was witnessed by security agencies, the Oyo State Government, and other stakeholders.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
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