The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Monday commenced its enforcement at the popular Onitsha Drug Market “Ọgbọ Ọgwụ”, Bridge Head, Onitsha, in Anambra State.
Martins Iluyomade, Director, NAFDAC South East Zone-led team confiscated a wide range of adulterated, substandard and expired drugs found at the various shops as well as fake drugs worth millions of naira during the exercise.
He said the exercise was in line with the Agency’s mandate of eradicating fake, banned and other spurious NAFDAC-regulated products from circulating in Nigeria and to prevent members of the unsuspecting public from falling victim.
“Among the drugs are expired, banned, substandard, deflective, repackaged and recalled products.
“We found out that some of the drug dealers are in the habit of imitating some popular drugs and pouring it into containers of the original manufacturer in order to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
“And these drugs are very sensitive that can lead to death or permanent disability of the consumer”, he said..
This is the second time the Agency has raided the market. The first popular raid was carried out in 2007 under the administration of late Dora Akunyili, which led to the total closure of the market.
During the raid, late Akunyili described Onitsha drug market as “a den of criminals,” saying her Agency was more determined to rid the nation of fake drugs without fear or favour.
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