NAFDAC seizes 277 cartons of fake anti-malaria drugs
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted a consignment of fake anti-malaria drugs in Lagos. The seizure of the drugs, concealed in 277 cartons, took place inside a warehouse at Ilasa Oshodi on August 29, following suspicions that the cargo contained undeclared pharmaceuticals disguised as spare parts. NAFDAC’s Director […]
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted a consignment of fake anti-malaria drugs in Lagos.
The seizure of the drugs, concealed in 277 cartons, took place inside a warehouse at Ilasa Oshodi on August 29, following suspicions that the cargo contained undeclared pharmaceuticals disguised as spare parts.
NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, in an interview with journalists on Thursday, said the fake drugs were labelled as Diclofenac Potassium Enteric-Coated Tablets 50mg, but were later discovered to be Artemether/Lumefantrine 80/480mg tablets, a medication used for malaria treatment.
He described the enforcement action as part of ongoing efforts to combat the distribution of fake drugs, following the tripartite raids in Onitsha, Aba, and Idumota markets.
“Since we finished that operation, the work has been continuing underground, trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together to know where the real problem is coming from.”
“I am so happy today, and the DG is also elated that we are able to have one of the breakthroughs in understanding what actually went on and how these things are happening,” he said.
He noted that the container was trailed from Apapa, where it had been declared as spare parts, saying operatives intercepted the consignment at the warehouse while it was being offloaded, following credible intelligence.
He added that the agency’s investigation revealed that the consignment was imported from China and contained 498,600 doses of fake anti-malaria drugs manufactured by Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group.
According to him, further investigation showed that the individual behind the importation is based in China.
“The person behind this is located in China. He was in Onitsha but relocated to China to continue sending these in. And once they are sent in, they disappear into the market,” he said.
The agency’s Deputy Director of Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacist Uba Florence, who led the operation, said the drugs were not registered with NAFDAC and had been deliberately misbranded to evade regulatory scrutiny.