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National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) has arrested over 40 suspects and destroyed banned pharmaceutical and other products worth N100 billion.
This was disclosed by the Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Christiana Mojisola Adeyeye, during the destruction exercise held at the Dumpsite, Moniya, in the Akinyele Local Government area of the state.
Represented by Mrs. Yedunni Adenuga, Director of Narcotics and Control Services, the NAFDAC boss said the seizure of the banned items was made at the Idumota, Onitsha, Ariara, and Ezeuku.
The affected pharmaceutical products include Analgin and controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg, amongst others.
Prof. Adeyeye, who described the recent discovery of counterfeit and other products at three major markets in the Country as mind-boggling, added that “the discoveries made of the presence of unregistered products, banned products such as Analgin, Controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg amongst others, which are part of the things making our Country unsafe in terms of security.
“This operation could not have been made possible without the support of the National Security Advisor (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who graciously approved the use of over 1,000 security personnel, including the Military, Police, and DSS.”
“Today, we are witnessing the destruction of expired, falsified, controlled, unregistered, and banned medicines removed from Idumota Open Drugs outlets. The estimated street value of these products being destroyed stands at one hundred billion naira.
“During the three weeks exercise, several suspects were apprehended. Further investigation is being carried out those found culpable will be sanctioned.
Earlier in his address, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Pharm. Shaba Mohammed disclosed that selling drugs in an open market was an illegal and punishable act under the law.
According to him, “It is a punishable offense to sell drugs in an open market. Also, it is illegal for people to hawk drugs inside vehicles, kiosks, and open markets.
