National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Friday uncovered a major operation depot dealing in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa area of Abia State, South East Nigeria.
NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement on X, saying it revealed that the illegal operation was being run from multiple buildings near the Ariaria International Market.
According to the agency, the expired medicines were repackaged and revalidated for resale, posing a significant health risk to consumers.
“Seized items consisted of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments,” the statement read.
“Machines used to rebrand and alter expiry dates were also discovered on-site. Despite efforts to reach him, he showed no concern for his detained family members,” the statement read.
The raid led to the arrest of several individuals associated with the operation. However, the prime suspect behind the illicit trade remains at large.
NAFDAC stated that the operation, conducted in collaboration with security agencies, is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing crackdown on the circulation of counterfeit drugs in the country.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating the distribution of substandard and falsified drugs in Nigeria, saying it is currently reviewing its laws to impose stricter penalties on individuals and organisations involved in the production and distribution of dangerous pharmaceutical products. – NPN
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