By Uzoma Nzeagwu
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has destroyed different types of fake drugs and related products valued at over N1Trillion in Anambra State.
Speaking at the location of the destruction in Awka, the Director General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said that the unwholesome drugs were mopped up from Aba and Onitsha drug markets, adding that the exercise was in line with the agency’s mandate of eradicating fake and spurious regulated products as well as to stop them from circulating in the country.
She added that the drugs were seized through diligent efforts of regulatory and enforcement officers in the zone, who worked tirelessly to mop up and confiscate the products within one month of raids in the markets.
Adeyeye who was represented by Zonal Director of Operations, Southeast, Dr Martin’s Iluyomade, weekend, said she regretted that the unwholesome dangerous drugs were pedaled by unpatriotic Nigerians to unsuspecting members of the public.
Prof Adeyeye further said, “NAFDAC would continue to strengthen regulatory framework activities and enhance surveillance throughout our markets, … ensure that lives were properly protected from harmful drugs and products.
“We as an agency has come to realize that the time has come and rightly so as to put once and for all an end to circulation of substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria. We are working in such a way that Nigerians can go to bed and sleep, ensure that whatever
medicine that is available is safe, certified and effective”.
Warning on the adverse effects of consuming unwholesome drugs, the DG urged the public to join NAFDAC in the fight against fake drugs and other regulated products by reporting people who engage in illicit practices for prompt investigation.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Deputy Director, Enforcement and Investigation, Tunji Omoyemi, disclosed that raids were carried out at the drug markets and shops which led to the seizure of the fake drugs and unregistered/expired drugs. He said such drugs include Tramadol, Analgin.
The Managing Director, Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), commended the agency for the good job, which he said contributed to reducing the rate of crime and criminality in the state, linking it to the influence of consumption of dangerous drugs.
