The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated and removed more than 100 truckloads of substandard, falsified, expired, and banned medicines from major drug markets in Idumota (Lagos), Onitsha (Anambra), and Aba (Abia) as part of a large-scale enforcement operation.
During a press briefing on Friday, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, highlighted the severe threat these illegal drugs pose to public health and national security, warning that their continued circulation could have devastating consequences.
“What we have found could ruin a nation, destabilize a government, and diminish the quality of life for millions of Nigerians,” she stated.
The crackdown concluded in Idumota and Aba on February 28, while Onitsha remained a hotspot until March 8. The total haul included:
27 truckloads of illicit drugs destroyed from Idumota
80 truckloads of unregistered, banned medicines and narcotics seized from Aba and Onitsha
14 truckloads removed from Osisioma warehouse in Aba
Four truckloads from Ariaria Road warehouse
10 truckloads seized directly from Aba markets
Onitsha, described as a major hub for illegal drug sales, has over 110 market lines dealing in pharmaceuticals. Prof. Adeyeye revealed that many of the seized drugs were stored under extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C, leading to their degradation before reaching unsuspecting consumers.
She also recounted past raids where NAFDAC officials faced violent resistance, with some nearly losing their lives.
Expressing grave concern over the impact of these drugs on the country’s youth and security, Prof. Adeyeye warned, “The narcotics we found could take lives and fuel banditry and terrorism.”