NAFDAC Busts Fake Drug Ring In Onitsha, Seizes Billions Of Naira Worth Of Counterfeit Drugs

By Chucks Eke

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a major crackdown on fake drug dealers in Onitsha’s notorious Ogbo Ogwu market, arresting 12 and seizing a large quantity of counterfeit and substandard drugs.

Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s South East Zonal Director, revealed in a press briefing on Friday that the agency’s week-long operation had already yielded over 10 truckloads of 40-foot containers filled with expired, adulterated, and unregistered pharmaceuticals. The estimated value of the seized goods is billions of Naira.

The operation, which began on Monday, targeted several buildings and shops in Ogbo Ogwu market, a well-known hub for repackaging and relabelling expired medicines with false NAFDAC approval claims.

Dr. Iluyomade stated that NAFDAC officials used advanced detection machines and scanners to identify fraudulent products, including banned, recalled, and counterfeit drugs that pose serious health risks.

The agency also discovered machinery used to rebrand and change expiration dates.

The arrests came after several dealers attempted to remove incriminating goods in the early morning.

Dr. Iluyomade also revealed that NAFDAC officials turned down bribes offer totalling N135 million from those attempting to obstruct the operation.

He emphasised that the operation, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, has full government support.

Dr. Iluyomade expressed concern about the dangers posed by these counterfeit drugs, saying, “I weep for Nigerians who are sick, and when they buy drugs to treat themselves, their illnesses will continue or worsen.”

He emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating that more than 90% of the shops investigated were engaged in illegal activities.

The agency is advocating for harsher penalties for those involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit drugs, including the death penalty, and is currently reviewing its existing legislation.

While acknowledging that the one-week timeframe originally set for the operation may be insufficient, Dr. Iluyomade has requested an extension to ensure a thorough cleansing of the market.

Chukwudi Ikem, a drug dealer whose shop received a clean bill of health, praised the operation and encouraged his colleagues to stop selling counterfeit drugs.

He also asked NAFDAC to investigate the circumstances surrounding some unregistered but otherwise safe medications.

The seized drugs are being taken to NAFDAC’s control room for further examination before being destroyed.

The operation demonstrates the agency’s dedication to protecting public health and combating the spread of counterfeit pharmaceuticals throughout Nigeria.