NAFDAC Seizes 137 Truckloads of Banned Medicines

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized 137 truckloads of banned, expired, unregistered medicines, and unauthorized narcotics during a nationwide enforcement operation. This operation mobilized approximately 1,350 buses and battle trucks to dismantle networks distributing fake and substandard medicines.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the operation as a significant battle against illegal pharmaceutical activities, comparing it to cleaning a heavily contaminated house. She noted that the agency's recent efforts in Onitsha reportedly reduced the circulation of fake medicines by about 75%, although she stated that proper research would be needed to confirm this figure.

Adeyeye highlighted the challenge posed by open drug markets and emphasized the importance of sustained regulatory attention, particularly in areas like Lagos Trade Fair. She urged Nigerians to refrain from buying medicines from street vendors and to patronize legitimate outlets, stressing the importance of receipts for tracing medicine sources and assisting in investigations of counterfeit products.