Traders at the Onitsha Bridgehead Drug Market have accused the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of unfairly targeting non-drug sections during a recent crackdown that uncovered billions of naira worth of illicit pharmaceuticals hidden inside plumbing materials shops.
In a startling revelation, two trailer loads of banned tramadol, unregistered narcotics, and counterfeit drugs were seized from these unexpected locations. According to NAFDAC, intelligence reports led them to conduct searches in these areas, where they discovered a well-coordinated operation of repackaging and selling expired and fake medicines under false claims.
"Why Target Us?" – Traders Lament
Many traders in the market, especially those operating non-pharmaceutical businesses, expressed outrage over the enforcement exercise, alleging that NAFDAC officials unfairly extended their search to shops selling plumbing materials and other unrelated goods.
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"We are not drug sellers, yet our shops were searched and goods were turned upside down. NAFDAC is treating everyone as a criminal!" one trader lamented.
Another trader questioned why the agency did not focus solely on identified drug vendors instead of disrupting their businesses.
However, NAFDAC insists that their actions were based on credible intelligence, revealing how the drug syndicates cleverly concealed their illegal stockpiles in non-suspecting sections of the market.
Security Tightened After Past Attacks
This latest operation was conducted under heavy security following a near-fatal attack on NAFDAC officials and police officers three years ago, when they attempted a similar raid. The agency noted that without the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), such a large-scale enforcement would have been impossible.
10 Truckloads of Fake Drugs Removed
Since the crackdown began over a week ago, NAFDAC has seized at least 10 fully loaded 40-foot trucks filled with counterfeit, substandard, and adulterated medicines, many falsely bearing NAFDAC approval.
Officials warn that the market has long served as a hub for the distribution of dangerous pharmaceuticals, putting millions of Nigerians at risk.
Despite traders' complaints, NAFDAC remains firm in its stance, vowing to dismantle the network of fake drug dealers, no matter where they operate within the market.
