Rita Odafe
NAFDAC Conducts Major Raid in Onitsha Market
On Monday, February 10, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) executed a significant operation at Ogbo-Ogu Market in Bridge Head, Onitsha, Anambra State.
During this enforcement activity, led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of NAFDAC South East Zone, a variety of counterfeit, substandard, and expired medications were seized from different vendors.
Dr. Iluyomade informed reporters that this action aligns with the agency’s mission to eliminate fake and unauthorized products from Nigeria’s market, ensuring public safety. He noted the collaboration with the market task force and emphasized that similar operations were simultaneously occurring across all South-East states.
He stated, “Our enforcement today at Ogbo-Ogu market stems from extensive intelligence gathering on counterfeit medications herein. We found that some individuals were engaging in the repackaging of these fraudulent items.
“The focus of this operation is to cleanse the market of counterfeit and hazardous drugs, including those that are repackaged or falsely labeled.”
“This initiative is being performed across the South-East to ensure the safety and health of the public by removing these dangerous substances.”
“We discovered various forms of problematic drugs, including expired, counterfeit, banned, and reconditioned products. Some vendors imitate well-known brands to mislead consumers.”
“These misleading drugs pose serious risks, potentially causing severe health issues or even fatalities. Our seizure of these items reflects our commitment to public health.”
He encouraged consumers to solely purchase from authorized pharmacies, adding that law enforcement and regulatory teams are actively overseeing this enforcement process.
While he couldn’t provide a monetary estimate of the confiscated goods, Dr. Iluyomade noted that the evaluation would occur at the operation’s conclusion.
The confiscated items included various types of antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics, anti-asthmatics, as well as banned substances like analgin, tramadol (above 100 mg), and others. The operation also targeted unregulated beverages, cosmetics, and even unsafe food products.
Representatives from trade unions, market leaders, and other stakeholders attended the operation to offer support.
