Fake Drugs: NAFDAC Arrests 40 Suspects, Shuts Over 11,000 Shops
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has closed more than 11,000 retail outlets and apprehended 40 individuals as part of its ongoing nationwide initiative against counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals.
During a press briefing on Saturday in Lagos, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, indicated that this enforcement action had been in preparation for over a year as a covert operation.
The enforcement activities commenced on February 10 at the Idumota open drug market, the Ariaria drug market in Aba, and the Bridge Market in Onitsha.
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye addressed the media during the raid on illicit drugs in Lagos on February 22, 2025. Credit: X/@NafdacAgency.
The agency highlighted that these three markets, which account for over 80 percent of the medication distribution in the country, were specifically targeted to eradicate falsified and unregistered drugs.
Adeyeye disclosed that more than 20 trucks of substandard medications were removed from various sites in Aba, with at least 30 trucks confiscated in Onitsha, and 27 trucks taken from the Idumota market.
“We are concluding our operations in Aba as we are nearing the completion of the evacuation process.
“Our subsequent phase will involve inspecting shops individually to distinguish between those operating legally and those that are unregistered.
“To date, we have shut down over 4,000 shops in Onitsha, 3,027 in Lagos, and an additional 4,000 in Aba since the initiation of these operations.
“In Onitsha, we have only completed 20 percent of the task. A comprehensive operation is necessary because some traders, while legitimate, are not registered with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN).”
The Director-General of NAFDAC praised the leadership of the National Security Agency for their provision of adequate security, emphasizing that their support was instrumental in facilitating the operation.
