NAFDAC uncovers consignments of ‘fake cocodamol, ampliclox’ in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has uncovered large consignments of fake cocodamol and falsified GSK ampiclox in the Idumota area of Lagos.

NAFDAC, in a statement posted on its agency’s X account, said the fake drugs were uncovered on Monday morning and have been evacuated.

Videos accompanying the post showed the confiscated drugs displayed in cardboard boxes and bags.

“Also found were Benxhexol-5 tablets, packaged in cellophane sachets likely for further processing into finished products and possibly labelled with falsified NAFDAC Registration Numbers,” the statement reads.

Earlier, NAFDAC said its officials uncovered numerous banned, unregistered, and expired products, including narcotic and controlled substances, at the Idumota open drug market.

“The operation exposed severe lapses in storage conditions, with medicines—including injections, vaccines, and intravenous drips—kept in unsanitary environments,” the agency said.

“These poor storage practices compromise drug safety, efficacy, and quality, posing serious health risks to consumers.

“So far, over 10 arrests have been made, targeting traders who attempted to evade enforcement by hiding or relocating products, particularly at night.”

The discovery comes after the agency recently carried out raids in various parts of the country.

On February 14, NAFDAC said its operatives uncovered a “massive depot” for large-scale dealings in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village in Osisioma Ngwa, Abia state.

The agency said the premises comprised multiple buildings near the Ariaria International Market, adding that the location served as a hub for repackaging and revalidating expired medicines for resale.

It added that expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments were seized at the depot.

Days before, NAFDAC took over the Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia state, after uncovering “huge” quantities of unregistered and banned medicines.

Unregistered and banned medicines at the patent medicine section of the market were confiscated.