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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has uncovered prohibited drugs hidden inside plumbing materials shops at the Onitsha Bridgehead Drug Market in Anambra state.
The market was recently shut down by regulatory and security agencies due to alleged trading in illegal drugs.
In a statement on X, the agency said its officials seized two trailer loads of unregistered narcotics, banned tramadol, and counterfeit drugs concealed within these shops.
NAFDAC said traders in the market have accused the agency of targeting non-drug sections during the operation.
“However, intelligence led the agency to search these areas, revealing large quantities of illicit pharmaceuticals,” the statement reads.
“Heightened security measures were necessary due to a past incident three years ago when NAFDAC officials and police officers were attacked and narrowly escaped death while conducting a similar raid.
“Without the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the progress made in this operation would not have been possible.
“The ongoing exercise has so far led to the discovery of illicit drugs worth billions of naira.
“The market, comprising multiple buildings and shops, operates as a hub for repackaging and revalidating expired medicines under false claims, before selling to unsuspecting consumers.”
NAFDAC said since its enforcement operation began over a week ago, it has removed at least 10 fully loaded 40-foot trucks of fake, substandard, and adulterated drugs from the market, some falsely claiming the agency’s approval.
