NAFDAC destroys unwholesome drugs worth N100b in Ibadan

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

The agency said the destruction, which was held at Akinyele dump site, Ibadan, became necessary to prevent a re-introduction of expired, fake, substandard and falsified drugs into circulation.

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.

She said NAFDAC had established stringent guidelines for licensing, sale, and distribution of drug products as part of its commitment to 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 was mind- boggling.

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

“This operation could not have been made possible without the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), who graciously approved the use of over 1,000 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.”

The DG reiterated NAFDAC’S commitment to ensuring that Maternal and Child Care are upheld, stressing that it was demonstrated during the recent operations, as large amounts of poorly stored vaccines and products were evacuated.

She sought the assistance of the public, community leaders, health practitioners, religious leaders and members of the press, in the fight against falsified and unwholesome drugs as NAFDAC cannot do it alone.

Adeyeye also lauded the support of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), 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.