The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday, September 19, destroyed substandard products, including counterfeit drugs, medical devices, and other unwholesome regulated items worth ₦43 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The destruction took place at the Moniya dump site in Lapite, Akinyele Local Government Area, and was observed by security agencies, representatives from the Oyo State government, and other stakeholders.
According to NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by Pharm. Shabba Mohammed, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, the counterfeit products were voluntarily surrendered to the Agency by compliant companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and trade unions.
Giving the breakdown of the seized counterfeited products, the Director General disclosed that several raids were carried out at various locations which led to the seizure of several unregistered and registered pharmaceutical products.
The confiscated products, according to her include aphrodisiacs, sex enhancement drugs, Over The Counter, (OTC), and Prescription Only Medicine, (POM) drugs.
She stated further, “Over thirty wares were seized in total. Products peddled by these drug hawkers including banned Codeine substances, narcotic drugs, Antimalarial, Aphrodisiacs, Analgesics, and Antibiotics worth over forty-eight million naira were confiscated.
“The Agency gathered intelligence on illegal warehousing, sale and distribution of schedule 1 Narcotics by some Pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and other local actions in the Country.
“The Investigation and Enforcement Directorate raided some Pharmaceutical warehouses and premises across the Country to confiscate products worth over seven hundred million naira.
“Some other products for destruction are some products that were mopped up from circulation during Investigation and Enforcement Directorate raids
“These include illicit and unregistered pharmaceutical products such as Codeine syrup, expired tramadol, aphrodisiacs, anti-malaria, and many other drugs.
“Other products are contraband soaps, tomato paste, unregistered and counterfeit drinks, food products, perfumes and body spray
“We want to use this opportunity to encourage the public to join NAFDAC in the fight against counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed food and other NAFDAC Regulated products by reporting unscrupulous manufacturers and businessmen who engage in illicit practices to the nearest NAFDAC office for prompt investigation.”
(The Nation)
