The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, has destroyed counterfeit pharmaceutical products and other illicit goods valued at approximately N100 billion. The destruction took place on Saturday at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking at the event in Akinyele Local Government Area, NAFDAC’s Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Narcotics, Yedunni Adenuga, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of consumable products, including food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and beverages.
“The products destroyed today were confiscated during enforcement operations at three major markets across the country,” Adeyeye stated. “The discovery of counterfeit and illicit substances in these markets is alarming.”
She highlighted the presence of banned drugs such as Analgin and controlled substances like Tramadol 225mg among the seized items, warning that such products contribute to security challenges in the country.
“Our recent enforcement actions in Idumota, Onitsha, Ariara, and Ezeuku open drug markets uncovered a large volume of unregistered and banned substances,” she added. “This operation was made possible through the support of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who authorized the deployment of over 1,000 security personnel, including the military, police, and Department of State Services.”
According to her, the products destroyed included expired, falsified, controlled, unregistered, and prohibited medicines removed from open drug outlets in Idumota. “The estimated street value of these products is N100 billion,” she emphasized.
The agency also disclosed that several suspects were arrested during the three-week crackdown, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that those involved face appropriate legal consequences.
In his remarks, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Shaba Mohammed, condemned the illegal sale of drugs in open markets, describing it as a punishable offense under the law.
“It is against the law to sell drugs in open markets, inside vehicles, or in kiosks,” Mohammed stated. “Anyone found engaging in such practices will face legal action.”
