Lagos, Nigeria – Idumota Open Drug Market in Lagos was the site of a major operation by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Saturday, leading to the sealing of over 3,000 shops. The raid uncovered a large stockpile of illicit and unregistered pharmaceuticals, sparking significant concerns about public health and safety.
NAFDAC’s operation, the culmination of intelligence gathering and surveillance, exposed a disturbing network of illegal drug dealing operating within the heart of Lagos Island. The agency’s team, acting on a tip-off, discovered vaccines stored in appalling conditions. These vaccines were housed in dilapidated rooms sealed with iron sheets, with no regard for proper temperature control or hygiene. These improper storage methods render the vaccines ineffective and potentially harmful.
The scale of the discovery was staggering. NAFDAC officials confirmed that the seized illicit drugs filled the equivalent of twelve large trucks. The haul included a variety of banned substances, such as Analgin injections, and diverted free HIV antiretroviral medications intended for public health programs. Medications past their expiration date bearing false labels for revalidation were also found. A significant quantity of other unregistered pharmaceuticals, the details of which are still being cataloged, were also confiscated.
Empty packs and cartons of expired and unregistered antimalarial injections were discovered by NAFDAC operatives in a clandestine packing shop within Idumota Open Drug Market. The find pointed to a well-organized operation aimed at repackaging and redistributing these dangerous medications. The vials had been removed, prepared for relabeling and resale, which presents a serious threat to unsuspecting consumers.
The operation extended beyond the main pharmaceutical section of the market, leading NAFDAC officials to a hidden warehouse where highly controlled substances were being stored illegally. The warehouse contained a significant number of brands of Codeine Cough Syrup, a quantity of Tramadol 225, and Ecstasy (Molly or MDMA). These medications, well-known for their addictive properties and potential for abuse, are contributing to Nigeria’s growing drug addiction crisis.
NAFDAC, under the leadership of its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has pledged to intensify its efforts to rid the nation of counterfeit and illicit drugs. The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and safety by ensuring that all pharmaceuticals meet the required regulatory standards. Professor Adeyeye has repeatedly warned that NAFDAC will not relent in its war against drug counterfeiters and peddlers of unregistered and harmful medications. The Idumota raid is a clear demonstration of that resolve. The agency plans to continue its crackdown on illegal drug markets across the country. The agency also called on members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug manufacturing, distribution, or sales.
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