The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken strong action against the sale of fake and illegal medicines in Lagos. In the first week of enforcement, officials shut down over 3,000 shops in the Idumota Open Drug Market.
During the raid, NAFDAC officers found serious violations. Some vaccines were stored in poorly ventilated, iron-sheeted rooms, creating major health risks.
Large amounts of banned medicines, including Analgin injections, HIV drugs meant for free distribution, and expired medicines prepared for illegal revalidation, were also discovered.
NAFDAC reported that they removed 12 truckloads of illegal pharmaceuticals. They also found empty packaging for expired antimalarial injections in a shop, suggesting an attempt to repackage and resell them.
Additionally, a warehouse in the market contained illegal drugs like Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly), Codeine Cough Syrup, and Tramadol 225. These substances are dangerous and often abused.
NAFDAC’s operation is part of its commitment to making Nigeria’s drug market safer by removing counterfeit and harmful medications. The agency continues to crack down on illegal drug sales to protect public health.
