NAFDAC bursts expired drugs depot in Abia

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control has uncovered a massive expired drugs depot dealing in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State.

According to the statement obtained on Friday, from the agency, they have been on the movement of eradicating the selling of adulterated and expired drugs to innocent Nigerians and had earlier raided the Ogbo-Ogu Market in Onitsha, Anambra state, and the popular Idumota market in Lagos.

The statement said, “NAFDAC has uncovered a large-scale operation dealing in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State.

“The premises comprising multiple buildings near the Ariaria International Market served as a hub for repackaging and revalidating expired medicines for resale.

“Seized items consisted of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments.

“Machines used to rebrand and alter expiry dates were also discovered on-site.

“During the raid, some individuals were arrested, but the prime suspect remains at large. Despite efforts to reach him, he showed no concern for his detained family members.

“The operation was in collaboration with security agencies, as part of the federal government’s intensified crackdown on counterfeit medicines.

“NAFDAC reaffirms its commitment to eradicating the circulation of substandard and falsified drugs in Nigeria.

“The agency is currently reviewing its laws to impose stricter penalties on individuals and organisations involved in the production and distribution of dangerous pharmaceutical products.”