The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed substandard products, including counterfeit drugs and medical devices, worth N43 billion in Oyo State.
The destruction which was carried out on Thursday at the Moniya dump site in the Akinyele Local Government area of the state, was witnessed by representatives from security agencies and the Oyo State Government.
Speaking during the exercise, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Christiana Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that the products were voluntarily surrendered to the agency by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and trade unions.
Adeyeye, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Pharm. Shabba Mohammed, disclosed that the agency had conducted several raids which led to the confiscation of numerous unregistered and registered pharmaceutical products.
The DG further disclosed that over thirty different products were seized in total which include aphrodisiacs, sex enhancement drugs, over-the-counter medications, and prescription-only drugs.
She noted that the confiscated items include banned substances such as codeine and narcotics, with a total value exceeding N43 billion.
The NAFDAC boss said, “The agency has been actively gathering intelligence on illegal warehousing, sale, and distribution of narcotics by pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and other states.
“Recent raids conducted by the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate resulted in the confiscation of products worth over N700 million.
“In addition to counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the operation also targeted contraband items such as unregistered soaps, tomato paste, and counterfeit beverages.”
While emphasising the importance of public involvement in combating counterfeit drugs and unwholesome food products, Adeyeye urged citizens to report unlawful practices to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate investigation.