Massive Raid Uncovers Counterfeit Drug Syndicates in Lagos, Abia, and Anambra
In a major enforcement operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down over 3,000 drug shops in Lagos and confiscated 24 truckloads of counterfeit medications in Abia and Anambra states.
According to NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the operation is part of a renewed effort to eliminate fake and substandard drugs from Nigerian markets.
She warned illegal drug dealers that the agency is intensifying its crackdown, following the discovery of two massive warehouses stocked with expired and falsified medicines in Aba, Idumota, and Onitsha.
Shocking Discoveries in Abia and Anambra
During a raid at Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State, NAFDAC operatives uncovered a large-scale illegal drug operation near the Ariaria International Market. Investigators found:
- Expired Potassium Chloride
- Allergy Medications
- Immune Boosters
- Cholesterol Treatments
- Machines used to alter expiry dates and rebrand products
Similarly, in Onitsha, authorities seized 14 truckloads of fake and expired drugs at the Ogbo-Ogwu Bridge Head Market.
The market has been identified as a key hub for the repackaging and resale of fake pharmaceutical products disguised as NAFDAC-approved medications.
Major Crackdown in Lagos’ Open Drug Market
In Lagos, NAFDAC’s enforcement team shut down over 3,000 illegal drug shops in the Idumota Open Drug Market, where officials discovered:
- Vaccines stored in unsafe and unsanitary conditions
- Banned medications, including large consignments of Analgin injections
- Diverted free HIV and retroviral drugs
- Expired drugs kept for revalidation and resale
- Illegally stored Codeine Cough Syrup and Tramadol 225
More than 12 truckloads of counterfeit pharmaceuticals were removed from the market.
NAFDAC’s Firm Stand Against Fake Drugs
Speaking on the crackdown, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
“We will not sit back while criminals endanger innocent lives with falsified medicines. Our goal is to sanitize the market and protect Nigerians from harmful drugs.”
With this aggressive approach, NAFDAC aims to disrupt the distribution networks of counterfeit drug syndicates operating in Lagos, Aba, and Onitsha, which supply pharmaceuticals nationwide.
What This Means for Nigerians
The fight against fake and substandard drugs is crucial for public health.
NAFDAC’s crackdown signals a renewed effort to ensure Nigerians have access to safe and genuine medications.
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