The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has sealed over 3,000 shops at the Idumota Open Drug Market in Lagos and seized 12 truckloads of fake and dangerous drugs.
The agency announced the operation in a statement on Sunday, revealing that officials uncovered serious violations, including vaccines stored in poor conditions that could harm public health.
“Among the discoveries were vaccines stored in dilapidated, unventilated rooms sealed with iron sheets in highly unsanitary conditions,” the statement said.
NAFDAC also found large consignments of banned and expired medicines, including Analgin injections, diverted HIV antiretroviral drugs, and pharmaceuticals that were set for illegal revalidation.
“We have evacuated illicit pharmaceuticals equivalent to 12 truckloads,” the agency added. “Empty packs and cartons of expired, unregistered antimalarial injections were discovered inside a packing shop. The vials were removed.”
Officials also found warehouses filled with dangerous drugs, including Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly), different brands of Codeine cough syrup, and Tramadol 225. These were stored separately from the main pharmaceutical section of the market.
NAFDAC has vowed to continue the crackdown on fake and substandard drugs, warning that those involved in illegal drug sales will face legal action.
