NAFDAC Destroys Fake Drugs, Expired Products Worth N4.2bn in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday destroyed fake drugs, counterfeit, expired and unwholesome products worth over N4,282,302,738.00 in Awka in Anambra state.

The substandard products were set ablaze by combined South-East and South-South zonal destruction team at ASWAMA dump site in the state capital.

Speaking shortly after the exercise, Director General, NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye said the action was in line with Agency’s mandate to eradicate fake drugs and other spruious NAFDAC regulated products from circulation.

Adeyeye, represented by the Director, Investment and Enforcement Directorate, NAFDAC, Francis Ononiwu advised consumers to be wary of drugs and foods they purchase, and to report suspicious activities relating to products to security agencies.

She listed the destroyed products to include, antibiotics, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic, antimalarial drugs, herbal remedies, banned drugs such as analgin, tramadol (above 100mg), gentamicin and vaccines.

“Others are alcoholic and non beverages, cosmetics such as creams, soaps and antiseptics, chemicals such as fake insecticides and unwholesome food,” she said.

According to the DG, Investment and Enforcement Directorate unit, Delta state had embarked on enforcement activities in the South-east and South-South zones where they seized several controlled and banned narcotics, counterfeit and fake products distributed by unscrupulous elements.

“On 7th February 2022, a JS bus with violating products including tramadol tablets, rohypnol tables and other controlled drugs were intercepted along Asaba-Benin express road. On 15th March 2022, the federal high court, Awka, Anambra state sentenced Mr Chigizie Odii resident in Onitsha to 5 years imprisonment for faking and production of Olive oil”, she added.

Earlier, Aliu Ahmed who represented Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) advised that suspected dealers arrested by NAFDAC should be handed over to the body for proper investigation and prosecution.