The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a depot dealing in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje Village, Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State, during a raid across the state.
NAFDAC made this known on Friday, intercepting items and apprehending some individuals in the process.
The agency stated that the premises, comprising multiple buildings near the Ariaria International Market served as a hub for repackaging and revalidating expired medicines for resale.
“Seized items consisted of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments.
“Machines used to rebrand and alter expiry dates were also discovered on-site. During the raid, some individuals were arrested, but the prime suspect remains at large. Despite efforts to reach him, he showed no concern for his detained family members,” the regulatory body said.
It disclosed that the operation was carried out in collaboration with security agencies, as part of the federal government’s intensified crackdown on counterfeit medicines, and reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating the circulation of substandard and falsified drugs in Nigeria.
The agency revealed that it is currently reviewing its laws to impose stricter penalties on individuals and organisations involved in the production and distribution of dangerous pharmaceutical products.
