NAFDAC discovers dumping sites for fake drugs in Anambra, destroys over 1Trillion fake goods.
The agency uncovered about 100 containers of counterfeit drugs at Onitsha Head bridge and Aba.
As part of the massive crackdown on counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed over ₦1 trillion worth of fake, expired, and unwholesome drugs in Anambra State.
The destruction exercise happened on Friday 21st March at the Anambra State Waste Management Authority’s dump site in Agu, Awka.
According to NAFDAC officials, the counterfeit drugs seized from the market includes: Analgin, Tramadol, falsified antibiotics, fake anti-malarial meds, and various over-the-counter medicines, many of which have been marked unsafe by World Health Organization (WHO). The agency stated that those drugs were burnt because they could cause severe health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
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The crackdown in Anambra was so massive as a result of months-long surveillance and intelligence gathering, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The agency discovered that major operation dump sites for these fake drugs include Onitsha Head Bridge (Ogbu-Ogu) and Ekumi/Tenant Road in Aba.
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NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the Southeast Zonal Director, stated that the volume of fake drugs destroyed in Anambra could harm a nation.
“The volume of fake drugs uncovered is staggering , over 100 containers worth of counterfeit medicines, enough to destabilize a country. This isn’t just a public health crisis; it’s a security threat. Research shows a direct link between narcotics like these and the rise in criminal activities.”
Professor Adeyeye emphasized the agency’s resolve to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines from the Nigerian market.
She went further to highlighted the severe health risks posed by these drugs, which includes treatment failures and possible deaths.
Adeyeye noted that some seized medicines, intended for pregnant women, were improperly stored, contributing to Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rates. She reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to purging the Nigerian markets from fake products.
The Managing Director of the State Waste Management Authority appreciated NAFDAC on behalf of the governor of Anambra State for a work well done. Mr. Ozoemena also thanked the governor for granting maximum support to the agency, to effectively and efficiently carry out the operation.
He said, “The governor personally visited the market during the enforcement exercise. He didn’t come to play politics but to support the agency’s mission. “We’ve seen the damage fake drugs inflict on our youths and communities. Thanks to NAFDAC, Anambra is regaining its peace and safety.”
