NAFDAC burns fake drugs, banned alcohol worth N1.8bn in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has destroyed counterfeit medicines, banned sachet alcohol, and other unsafe products valued at over N1.8 billion at the Kuje dumpsite in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The agency said the exercise was carried out as part of efforts to prevent fake, expired, and substandard products seized across Abuja and neighbouring areas from finding their way back into circulation.

A statement by the agency said the destroyed items included fake drugs, expired pharmaceuticals, falsified products, fake chemicals, banned alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, as well as other unwholesome regulated products.

NAFDAC disclosed that some of the products were confiscated during enforcement operations, while others were voluntarily handed over by companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN).

During the destruction exercise, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, warned that fake drug networks now use advanced cloning methods to imitate genuine products.

He said the growing sophistication of fake drug manufacturers was making it more difficult for consumers to distinguish between original and counterfeit products.

Iluyomade further disclosed that the agency recently seized several containers carrying suspicious products that were falsely declared in an attempt to evade detection at the ports.

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among relevant agencies and increased public vigilance to tackle the menace.

NAFDAC stated that the destruction exercise reflected its determination to ensure seized counterfeit and unsafe products do not return to the market.

The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, warning that traders found selling or possessing such products would face enforcement actions and possible prosecution.

NAFDAC urged Nigerians to avoid buying suspiciously cheap medicines and regulated products, warning that such items could pose serious health risks.

The agency also called on members of the public to report suspicious products and activities to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s call centre for investigation and necessary action.