NAFDAC busts massive fake drug operation in Abia

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered a large-scale operation dealing in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village in the Osisioma Ngwa area of Abia State.

NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement and videos shared on X.com on Friday.

According to the agency, the premises, comprising several buildings near the bustling Ariaria International Market, served as a hub for repackaging and revalidating expired medicines, which were later sold to unsuspecting consumers.

The statement partly read: “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.”

It added that the raid led to the arrest of several individuals associated with the operation. However, the prime suspect behind the illicit trade remains at large.

“Despite efforts to reach him, he showed no concern for his detained family members,” the statement read.

NAFDAC added that the operation, conducted in collaboration with security agencies, is part of the federal government’s ongoing crackdown on the circulation of counterfeit drugs in the country.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating the distribution of substandard and falsified drugs in Nigeria.

It also stated 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.