The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stated that it has destroyed substandard products worth N43 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State, News About Nigeria reports.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Christiana Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Pharm. Shabba Mohammed, disclosed this on Thursday while carrying out the destruction.
He noted that the products destroyed include, counterfeit drugs, medical devices, aphrodisiacs, sex enhancement drugs, over-the-counter medications, and prescription-only drugs, among others, adding that it is a significant operation.
The destruction was carried out on Thursday at the Moniya dump site in the Akinyele Local Government area of the state, with representatives from security agencies and the Oyo State Government in attendance.
Mohammed also stated that the products were voluntarily surrendered to the agency by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and trade unions.
He stated, “Over thirty different products were seized in total,” she noted, highlighting that the confiscated items included banned substances such as codeine and narcotics, with a total value exceeding N48 million.
“The agency has been actively gathering intelligence on illegal warehousing, sale, and distribution of narcotics by pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and other states.”
“Recent raids conducted by the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate resulted in the confiscation of products worth over N700 million.”
“In addition to counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the operation also targeted contraband items such as unregistered soaps, tomato paste, and counterfeit beverages.”
Professor Adeyeye further stressed that public involvement is necessary in combating counterfeit drugs and unwholesome food products.
She therefore urged citizens to report unlawful practices to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate investigation.
