“NAFDAC Uncovers 12 Trucks of Fake Drugs in Onitsha: Market Becomes Hub of Counterfeit Crisis”
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered two more trucks of fake and expired drugs at the plumbing section of Onitsha Market, Anambra State. This is part of an ongoing operation aimed at tackling the circulation of counterfeit, unregistered, and expired drugs across the state.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the Director of NAFDAC South East Zone, made the revelation during a press conference held at the Plumbing Material Market in Onitsha on Friday. According to Iluyomade, these two trucks add to the 12 trucks (each of 40-foot containers) of counterfeit drugs uncovered in the past two weeks.
The recent raid follows a wider effort by NAFDAC to clamp down on the distribution of substandard drugs in Nigeria. Iluyomade clarified that the agency’s operatives are specifically targeting shops where the fake and expired drugs are being stored, not the entire market. This clarification came in response to criticisms from some quarters suggesting that NAFDAC was indiscriminately raiding businesses.
Call for Public Support
Iluyomade urged the people of Onitsha and Anambra to support the agency’s efforts in the ongoing fight against counterfeit and expired drugs, emphasizing that these actions are for the benefit of society as a whole. He dismissed the media criticisms and social media misinformation, stressing that NAFDAC’s operations are based on intelligence and are focused solely on the perpetrators involved in the illegal drug trade.
“Some have called for the reopening of Onitsha market while the raids are still ongoing. But we ask for their support, as what we are doing is for the good of all. We are working on intelligence, and today, two trucks of fake and expired drugs were uncovered in this market alone,” Iluyomade said. “From our findings, the plumbing material market has emerged as a central point for these dangerous drugs in the South East.”
Collaborative Efforts and Government Backing
The operation is being carried out in collaboration with security agencies, market leaders, and other stakeholders, with the full backing of the Federal Government. Iluyomade reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to eradicating the distribution of substandard and falsified drugs throughout Nigeria.
In closing, he appealed to the media to project NAFDAC’s efforts positively to the international community, highlighting the importance of eradicating counterfeit drugs to ensure public health and safety.
