Tougher crackdown: NAFDAC destroys #1 trillion worth of deadly medicines in Anambra state

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake pharmaceutical products.

The destruction exercise took place on Friday 21 march,2025 at the Anambra State Waste Management Authority Dump Site, Agu Awka.

The fake, substandard, and counterfeit drugs were valued at over ₦1 trillion.

NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, supervised the exercise on Friday.

She was represented by NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.

Adeyeye stated that the products included Analgin and controlled substances like Tramadol 225mg.

The confiscated drugs were seized from markets in Onitsha and Aba.

These markets include Onitsha Bridge Head Drug Market (Ogbu-Ogu) and Ekumi/Tenant Road Drug Market.

Speaking before the destruction, Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to consumer safety.

She said the agency ensures that all food, drugs, and chemicals meet safety standards.

“We are destroying fake, counterfeit, and expired drugs seized in our enforcement exercise,” she stated.

She added that the agency is determined to eliminate substandard and unregistered drugs.

“The volume of fake drugs discovered is alarming and threatens national security,” she warned.

According to her, the presence of illegal substances is fueling insecurity in Nigeria.

She emphasized that NAFDAC will not relent in its fight against fake drugs.

Adeyeye assured Nigerians that certified medicines in circulation are safe.

“We have listened to public concerns and strengthened our enforcement strategies,” she said.

She revealed that the enforcement exercise lasted from February 10 to March 5.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of over 100 containers of fake drugs.

“These drugs have the capacity to destabilize a nation,” she stressed.

She explained that narcotics and unapproved medicines were found in large quantities.

“The estimated value of these drugs is over a trillion naira,” she disclosed.

Millions of lives have been saved by removing these harmful products, she noted.

Adeyeye urged Nigerians to report suspicious drugs in their communities.

She commended the media for its role in exposing counterfeit drug dealers.

The Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority, Mike Ozoemanam, praised NAFDAC’s efforts.

Ozoemanam represented Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, at the event.

He said the governor personally visited the market during the enforcement operation.

“The governor was not playing politics but supporting NAFDAC’s mission,” he remarked.

He linked fake drugs to social problems, especially among youths.

“The connection between fake drugs and crime cannot be ignored,” he said.

He affirmed that Anambra people support the fight against fake and illicit drugs.

“We do not want these harmful products in Anambra State,” he declared.

He urged NAFDAC to continue its crackdown on fake drug syndicates.

NAFDAC remains resolute in protecting Nigerians from substandard and counterfeit products.

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