The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has discovered a large depot where expired and fake drugs were being repackaged and sold in Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State.
NAFDAC revealed this in a statement on Friday, saying the illegal operation was being run from several buildings near the Ariaria International Market. The agency said expired drugs were being rebranded with new expiry dates before being sold to unsuspecting buyers, putting public health at serious risk.
During the raid, NAFDAC officials seized expired medicines, including potassium chloride, allergy drugs, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments. Machines used to rebrand and change expiry dates were also found at the site.
The operation led to the arrest of several people linked to the illegal trade. However, the prime suspect, who is believed to be the mastermind, is still on the run.
NAFDAC said the raid was part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to stop the circulation of fake and substandard drugs in the country. The agency also warned that it is working to strengthen its laws to impose stricter punishments on those involved in illegal drug production and sales.
The agency assured Nigerians that it would continue to track and shut down similar operations to protect public health.
