Suzzy Woke
National Agency for Food and Drug Administrative Control(,NAFDAC) has launched a major enforcement operation simultaneously across all South-East states.
An operation at Ogbo-Ogu Market, Bridge Head, Onitsha, in Anambra State, led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, seized large quantities of adulterated, substandard and expired drugs.
The exercise, conducted in collaboration with the market task force, targeted dealers engaged in repackaging and rebagging counterfeit drugs to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
Products seized included antibiotics, anti-diabetics, anti-hypertensives, psychoactive substances, antimalarials, aphrodisiacs, unregistered vaccines and banned drugs such as tramadol (above 100 mg) and codeine.
Unwholesome food, cosmetics, and chemicals were also confiscated.NAFDAC emphasises that these counterfeit products pose serious health risks, including death or permanent disability.
The monetary value of the confiscated products will be determined upon the conclusion of the ongoing operation.