The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Friday, uncovered a major operation depot dealing in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa area of Abia State.
The agency, which made the revelation in a statement on X, also disclosed that the illegal operation was being run from multiple buildings near the Ariaria International Market.
It said the expired medicines were repackaged and revalidated for resale, posing a significant health risk to consumers.
“Seized items consisted of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments.
NAFDAC said the raid led to the arrest of several individuals associated with the operation, but the prime suspect behind the illicit trade remains at large.
“Machines used to rebrand and alter expiry dates were also discovered on-site. Despite efforts to reach him, he showed no concern for his detained family members,” the statement read.
It stated that the operation, conducted in collaboration with security agencies, is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing crackdown on the circulation of counterfeit drugs in the country.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating the distribution of substandard and falsified drugs in Nigeria, saying it is is currently reviewing its laws to impose stricter penalties on individuals and organisations involved in the production and distribution of dangerous pharmaceutical products.
