The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has carried out a special enforcement operation against importers and hawkers of sex enhancement drugs, as well as fake, adulterated, and other unwholesome pharmaceuticals across the country.

More than 15 offenders were arrested for various violations. The agency said the operation targeted an assortment of unregistered, fake, and substandard pharmaceutical products, including aphrodisiacs, oxytocins, narcotic analgesics (such as tramadol and morphine), sex enhancement drugs, antibiotics, and painkillers, among others.

Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Martins Iluyomade, disclosed that raids were conducted in Lagos, Kaduna, Abuja, and Asaba, where importers and peddlers were found selling expired, unregistered, banned, and counterfeit medicines.

Iluyomade, who also serves as Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, stated that all offending products recovered during the raids were evacuated, while the suspects remain in custody pending the conclusion of the investigations.
He estimated the value of the confiscated products at over N110,938,800.

Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, warned that the distribution and sale of medicines in unauthorised places are prohibited, stressing that offenders will face severe sanctions.

She urged Nigerians to stop patronising hawkers and street peddlers, warning that NAFDAC would not relent until all offenders are brought to justice.

Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety, quality, and wholesomeness of foods, drugs, and other regulated products sold to the public. She also advised consumers to remain vigilant, exercise discretion when making purchases, and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office across the country.