The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says its operatives have uncovered a “massive depot” for large-scale dealings in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village in Osisioma Ngwa, Abia state.
In a statement on Friday, NAFDAC said the premises comprised multiple buildings near the Ariaria International Market.
The agency said 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.
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“Machines used to rebrand and alter expiry dates were also discovered on-site,” the statement reads.
“During the raid, some individuals were arrested, but the prime suspect remains at large. Despite efforts to reach him, he showed no concern for his detained family members.
“The operation was in collaboration with security agencies, as part of the federal government’s intensified crackdown on counterfeit medicines.
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The agency said it is committed to eradicating the circulation of substandard and falsified drugs in Nigeria.
NAFDAC added that it is currently reviewing its laws to impose stricter penalties on individuals and organisations involved in the production and distribution of dangerous pharmaceutical products.
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