Fake products valued at ₦43 billion were on Thursday, destroyed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The products included falsified drugs, medical devices, and other unwholesome regulated products.
The destruction of the products took place at a dumpsite in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
According to the NAFDAC DG, who was represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Shabba Mohammed, disclosed that the counterfeit products were voluntarily handed over to the agency by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations, and trade unions.
While presenting a breakdown of the seized products, the NAFDAC said that several raids were carried out at various locations, the results of which was confiscation of both unregistered and registered pharmaceutical items.
She stated, “The confiscated products include aphrodisiacs, sex enhancement drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and prescription-only medications.
“More than 30 types of products were seized in total. These included banned Codeine substances, narcotic drugs, antimalarials, aphrodisiacs, analgesics, and antibiotics worth over ₦48 million, all confiscated from drug hawkers.
“NAFDAC also gathered intelligence on the illegal warehousing, sale, and distribution of Schedule One narcotics by certain pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and other locations across the country.
“The Investigation and Enforcement Directorate raided several pharmaceutical warehouses and premises nationwide, seizing products worth over ₦700 million.”
The NAFDAC boss further explained that additional items for destruction were mopped up from circulation during raids by the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.
“These included illicit and unregistered pharmaceutical products such as Codeine syrup, expired Tramadol, aphrodisiacs, antimalarials, and other drugs.
“Other confiscated items included contraband soaps, tomato paste, unregistered and counterfeit drinks, food products, perfumes, and body sprays.”
