By Miracle Ogunde
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismantled a major depot involved in the distribution of expired and falsified drugs in Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State.
According to the agency, the illicit operation involved repackaging and revalidating expired medicines for resale, posing severe health risks to consumers.
In a statement on X on Friday, NAFDAC disclosed that the illegal activities were conducted across multiple buildings near the Ariaria International Market.
The raid led to the arrest of several individuals linked to the operation, though the prime suspect behind the trade remains at large.
“Seized items consisted of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments,” the statement read.
“Machines used to rebrand and alter expiry dates were also discovered on-site. Despite efforts to reach him, he showed no concern for his detained family members,” the statement revealed.
NAFDAC noted that the operation, carried out in collaboration with security agencies, is part of the Federal Government’s wider efforts to clamp down on the circulation of counterfeit medicines across the country.
Reaffirming its commitment to eliminating substandard and falsified drugs, the agency said it is currently reviewing its regulations to introduce stricter penalties for individuals and organisations engaged in the illicit production and distribution of harmful pharmaceutical products.
Leave a Reply