KOREDE DAMIFOGO
As part of its concerted effort to rid the nation of fake, adulterated, unwholesome products, the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) embarked on a special enforcement operations against hawkers and peddlers across the country seizing drugs worth N111million
This activity conducted in a bid to clamp down and mop up an assortment of unregistered, fake, and unwholesome pharmaceutical products, and all other NAFDAC regulated products.
Some locations raided include Lagos and Kaduna metropolis, Abuja and Asaba where drug hawkers/peddlers sell these expired, unregistered, banned and fake medicines. More than 15 offenders have been arrested for violation. Products such as Aphrodisiacs, Oxytocins, Narcotics Anagelsics; Tramadol, Morphine, sex enhancement drugs, antibiotics, pain killers, among others.
Offending products found at all locations were evacuated, while violators have been detained pending conclusion of interrogation. The confiscated products are estimated to be worth over N110,938, 800.
NAFDAC DG, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye warns that distribution and sales of medicines in unapproved places is prohibited and those caught will be heavily sanctioned. She also asks Nigerians to desist from patronising peddlers/hawkers; as NAFDAC will not stop until all offenders are brought to book.
NAFDAC is fully alive to her responsibilities of assuring the safety, wholesomeness, and quality of foods and other Regulated Products offered for sale to the public. Consumers are hereby advised to be vigilant and exercise discretion when making purchases and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office across the Federation.