Pharmacists declare war on drug peddlers

Pharmacists in Nigeria are calling for tougher penalties against counterfeit drug dealers.

On sunday 23rd march, 2025, this was initiated to curb public health risks.

They propose life imprisonment as a strong deterrent against the distribution of fake and substandard medicines.

Recently, NAFDAC seized over 100 truckloads of fake drugs from major markets in Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, warned that fake drugs threaten millions of Nigerian lives.

She emphasized that allowing substandard medicines in circulation could drastically reduce the country’s quality of life.

Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria President, Tanko Ayuba, described Nigeria’s counterfeit drug penalties as weak.

He noted that the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Act prescribes only a ₦500,000 fine or five years’ imprisonment.

According to him, such lenient penalties fail to deter criminal syndicates engaged in drug counterfeiting.

When asked about the death penalty for traffickers, PSN FCT Chairman, Salamatu Orakwelu, opposed the idea.

She argued that life imprisonment would be a better and more humane deterrent against illicit drug trade.

“Life is sacred, and incarcerating offenders for life ensures they cannot continue harming the public,” she said.

Orakwelu stressed that harsh punishment would send a strong message to others involved in drug counterfeiting.

“If offenders are locked away permanently, it prevents them from taking more lives through fake medicines,” she added.

Lagos PSN Chairman, Gbolagade Iyiola, also advocated for severe punishment for those trafficking fake drugs.

He highlighted the grave dangers counterfeit medicines pose, especially to critically ill patients.

Iyiola insisted that those faking drugs should face penalties that reflect the seriousness of their crimes.

“If a counterfeit drug is administered to a sick patient, it could lead to death, which is a grave offense,” he said.

He suggested that punishment should range from 20 years to life imprisonment to deter offenders.

“A strong sentence ensures that culprits spend a significant part of their lives in prison,” he emphasized.

He also called for clearer legislation to differentiate penalties based on intent and level of involvement.

“Someone knowingly trafficking fake drugs is guiltier than one unknowingly in possession,” he noted.

Iyiola urged the government to strengthen drug laws and ensure justice for victims of counterfeit medicines.

“Ultimately, laws must effectively address the severity of counterfeit drug crimes,” he concluded.

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