NAFDAC destroys N100bn expired, falsified, unregistered drugs in Ibadan

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed N100 billion worth of expired, substandard, and falsified medicines in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

The agency said the destruction became necessary to prevent a re-introduction of expired, fake, substandard, and falsified drugs into circulation.

The destruction exercise was held at the Akinyele dump site, in Ibadan.

Speaking during the destruction, the Director-General (DG) of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said NAFDAC as the lead agency and chair of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods was firmly committed to ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and drinks are safe, wholesome, and effective for human consumption.

The DG said NAFDAC had established stringent guidelines for licensing, sale, and distribution of drug products as part of its commitment in ensuring safe and quality medicine.

Adeyeye, who was represented by NAFDAC Director of Narcotics and Controlled Substances, Yedunni Adenuga, said NAFDAC’s recent enforcement activities at the Idumota, Onitsha, Ariara, Ezeuku open drug markets were mind-boggling.

The DG said: “The discoveries made of the presence of unregistered products, banned products such as Analgin, controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg among others, which are part of the things are making our country unsafe in terms of security.

“This operation could not have been made possible without the support of the NSA (National Security Adviser) who graciously approved the use of over 1000 security personnel, including the military, police, and the Department of State Service (DSS).

“Today, you are witnessing the destruction of expired, falsified, controlled, unregistered and banned medicines removed from Idumota Open Drug outlets.

“The estimated street value of these products being destroyed stands at N100 billion.

“During the three-week exercise, several suspects were apprehended. Further investigation is being carried out; those found culpable will be sanctioned.

“I want to reiterate NAFDAC’S commitment to ensuring that Maternal and Child Care are upheld, and this was demonstrated during the recent operations, as large amounts of poorly stored vaccines and products were evacuated.

“The general public, community leaders, health practitioners religious leaders, and members of the press, I want to appeal for your assistance in the fight against falsified did Take medicines, NAFDAC Cannot do it alone it is a fight for all.

“We seek your cooperation in providing valuable information where such are being to prevent and ultimately eradicate the presence of unregistered and dangerous medicines and other violative products from our society.”

Adeyeye also lauded the support of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Nigeria Police Force, Depatment of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Defence Corps (NSCDC) and all stakeholders who have contributed in the fight against substandard and falsified medicines and other unwholesome regulated products.