Kano seizes N200m fake drugs, vows crackdown on unapproved medicines

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and curbing the circulation of substandard drugs.

This follows the seizure of counterfeit medicines worth over N200 million in the state.

The seizure was carried out by the Kano State Committee on Motor Parks and Other Public Places during a raid within the Kano metropolis.

Balarabe Abdullahi-Kiru, Director, Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs made the disclosure in a statement issued to Newsmen in Kano on Sunday.

According to the statement, the drugs confiscated during the operation lacked approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

It said the operation was jointly conducted by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

The statement noted that the raid was led by the committee’s Chairman, Maj. Adamu Abubakar-Usman (Rtd), following intelligence reports and the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure only safe, approved medicines were sold to the public.

Speaking during the operation, Abubakar-Usman disclosed that the fake drugs were found in an abandoned building where they were stored under extreme heat and unhygienic conditions.

“These drugs lacked NAFDAC certification and therefore pose a serious danger to public health, especially to women and children.

“Storing drugs under excessive heat and poor sanitary conditions can compromise their efficacy and cause serious harm to consumers, particularly when they are not approved by the relevant authorities,” he added.

He said the committee would continue to collaborate with security and health agencies to combat the trafficking of fake drugs and ensure that offenders are prosecuted.

Also speaking, Dr Danyaro Ali-Yakasai, Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Special Development, urged the public to verify the authenticity of medicines before purchase and to report suspected sellers of fake or substandard drugs.

He reiterated the state government’s resolve not to tolerate activities capable of endangering citizens’ lives.

Earlier, Ya’u Malam-Yakubu, Assistant Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Kano Command, said the confiscated items included 55 cartons of Super Sexy, 144 cartons of Bold Brown/Body Bliss, 70 cartons of Lion King/Hygra, and three sacks of empty packs.