NAFDAC Shuts Over 11,000 Shops, Arrests 40 Suspects Over Fake Drugs
NAFDAC Shuts Over 11,000 Shops, Arrests 40 Suspects Over Fake Drugs
emmatex
In a significant nationwide operation aimed at curbing the sale of fake and substandard medicines, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed more than 11,000 shops and arrested 40 individuals. This initiative, which forms part of the agency's ongoing efforts to ensure public health and safety, was discussed at a press briefing held in Lagos on Saturday by NAFDAC's Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye. She explained that the operation had been meticulously planned over a year as a covert mission.
The enforcement action kicked off on February 10 at several key locations known for large-scale drug distribution, including the Idumota open drug market, the Ariaria market in Aba, and the Bridge Market in Onitsha. These markets account for over 80 percent of the country's medication supply and were identified as pivotal sites for eradicating falsified and unregistered drugs.
Professor Adeyeye highlighted the substantial progress made, citing the removal of over 20 trucks filled with substandard drugs in Aba, 30 trucks in Onitsha, and 27 in the Idumota market. She emphasized the focus on thoroughly inspecting and evaluating shops to distinguish between those operating legally and those not registered with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN).
NAFDAC has successfully shut down more than 4,000 shops in each Onitsha and Aba, along with 3,027 in Lagos, as part of the ongoing operation. Although only 20 percent of the work has been completed in Onitsha, the efforts continue to identify and close further illegal operations.
Acknowledging the critical support received, Professor Adeyeye expressed gratitude to the National Security Agency for deploying over 1,000 officers across the locations to safeguard the NAFDAC personnel on the ground. This backing has ensured the safety and effectiveness of the enforcement teams, marking a significant improvement from past efforts where officers faced serious threats.
NAFDAC remains committed to its mission of safeguarding public health and is determined to continue its rigorous crackdown on the distribution and sale of counterfeit drugs across the nation.
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