NAFDAC seeks stricter punishment for drug counterfeiters

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said it is pushing for stricter penalties against drug counterfeiters in the country.

The Acting Director General of the agency, Mr. Ademola Magbojuri, disclosed this at his maiden press briefing in Lagos.

He said it would be done through an amendment of the counterfeit and fake drug and unwholesome process food (miscellaneous provisions) act before the National Assembly.

Magbojuri who used the opportunity to talk on NAFDAC’s court convictions, explained that surveillance and enforcement operations at the Nigerian ports, borders and identified routes used by smugglers have been intensified.

He said: “As part of our renewed effort to rid the country of counterfeit and fake medical products, the agency has been carrying out coordinated nationwide enforcement operations in different parts of the country. A large consignments of the counterfeit and fake medical products and drinks had also been impounded.”

According to him, the agency is involved in the prosecution of over 64 fake NAFDAC-regulated products cases across the country.

Justice Jude Dagat of the Federal High Court in Lagos had on Tuesday convicted one Kenneth Chiokwe for five years for importing fake cough syrup into the country.

Chiokwe was convicted under section 1(a) of counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods (miscellaneous provisions) act Cap 34 LFN 2004 and punishable under section 3 (1) (a) of the same act.