The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has removed 140 tonnes of expired and unregistered drugs from a warehouse in Aba, Abia State, transferring them to its office in Anambra State for proper disposal.
Major Discovery in Aba
Speaking to journalists, Omoyeni Babatunji, Deputy Director of Investigation and Enforcement for NAFDAC's Federal Taskforce (South-South and South-East), revealed that 178 drug samples from the seized stock would undergo laboratory testing.
The expired drugs were found in a warehouse in Umummeje, Umuocheala, Osisioma Local Government Area, separate from those discovered in shops at the Ariaria International Market.
NAFDAC also uncovered two additional warehouses at No. 269, Sam Mbakwe Road (formerly Faulk's Road), Aba, filled with expired pharmaceuticals. Babatunji noted that upon the agency's arrival, some suspects fled with cartons of re-labelled drugs before security operatives could intervene.
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Ongoing Investigation & Warehouse Control Efforts
Evacuation of the newly discovered expired drugs began on Saturday evening, as NAFDAC intensifies efforts to combat the illegal trade of expired and counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
The agency emphasized the need for a Wholesale Control Centre (WCC) in Aba to properly regulate drug distribution and prevent harmful products from reaching the market. Babatunji stated that this operation aligns with NAFDAC's mission to achieve Maturity Level 3 (ML3) of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) global regulatory standards.
NAFDAC is also engaging the governments of Abia and Anambra States to fast-track the establishment of WCC warehouses, ensuring stricter monitoring and control of pharmaceutical distribution.
Authorities Pledge Further Action
Luis Madubuata, another Deputy Director of NAFDAC, described the discovery as horrifying and worrisome, noting that intelligence from a joint operation with security agencies led to the latest seizure.
He confirmed that a site where expired drugs were being re-labelled and sent back into the market was uncovered.
Although no arrests have been made yet, authorities remain hopeful that security operatives will track down and prosecute those involved.
Madubuata also acknowledged the support of Abia State Governor Alex Otti, stating that NAFDAC's operations in Aba have progressed smoothly due to government cooperation and security backing.
This latest crackdown highlights the growing threat of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria and reinforces NAFDAC's commitment to protecting public health through rigorous enforcement measures.
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