The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken action against fake and expired drugs at the Ogbo-Ogwu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The agency seized 10 trucks loaded with counterfeit and expired medicines during an enforcement operation in the market.

According to NAFDAC, the market contained several shops where expired drugs were rebranded and repackaged to be sold to unsuspecting consumers.

These fake medicines pose serious health risks, including death or permanent disability.

Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the Director of NAFDAC’s South-East Zone, led the operation. He confirmed that the seized drugs would be taken to NAFDAC’s control room for further checks and eventual destruction.

He also revealed that some of the confiscated drugs had fake NAFDAC approval numbers.

The agency used advanced scanners to detect false claims on the medicines. Many of the seized products were expired, banned, or recalled drugs that had been altered and repackaged.

Iluyomade also mentioned that some drug dealers in the market had machines used to change expiration dates and repackage medicines.

During the raid, several individuals were arrested. NAFDAC officials also rejected a bribe of ₦135 million from drug dealers. The agency reported that over 90% of the shops they inspected were selling counterfeit or repackaged drugs.

Iluyomade warned that if the full extent of the illegal activities in the market were exposed, it could lead to the market being shut down completely.

He emphasized that NAFDAC is committed to protecting public health by preventing the sale of fake and dangerous medicines.