Kehinde Fajobi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal facility where expired and counterfeit drugs were being repackaged for sale in Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State.
In a statement on X on Friday, February 14, the agency revealed that the operation was taking place in multiple buildings near Ariaria International Market, where expired medications were being altered and resold to unsuspecting consumers.
“Seized items consisted of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments,” the statement read.
NAFDAC also discovered machines used to manipulate expiry dates and rebrand the drugs. The agency noted that efforts to reach the prime suspect were unsuccessful, adding that he showed no concern for family members who were detained during the raid.
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While several individuals connected to the illicit trade were arrested, the main suspect remains at large.
NAFDAC explained that the operation was part of the Federal Government’s continued crackdown on counterfeit drugs and reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating substandard pharmaceuticals in Nigeria.
The agency further stated that it is reviewing its laws to introduce stricter penalties for those involved in the production and distribution of fake medicines.