The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered a large-scale operation involved in the repackaging and sale of expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village in Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State.
In a statement released on Friday, the agency revealed that the illegal operation, located near the Ariaria International Market, had multiple buildings used as a hub for rebranding expired medicines and altering expiry dates before selling them to unsuspecting consumers.
“Seized items consisted of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments,” the statement read.
NAFDAC also disclosed that machinery used to manipulate packaging and extend expiry dates was discovered at the site. Several individuals were arrested in connection with the operation, though the main suspect remains on the run.
The agency emphasized that the raid was part of the federal government’s intensified efforts to curb the circulation of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.
“This operation, conducted in collaboration with security agencies, underscores our commitment to eradicating the distribution of substandard and falsified medicines in the country,” NAFDAC stated.
Additionally, the agency announced plans to strengthen its legal framework, ensuring stricter penalties for individuals and organizations involved in the production and sale of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
