The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered large quantities of prohibited and counterfeit drugs hidden inside plumbing materials’ shops at the Onitsha Bridgehead Drug Market in Anambra State.
The discovery comes amid an ongoing crackdown on the market, which was recently shut down by regulatory and security agencies over alleged dealings in illegal pharmaceuticals.
In a statement on X, NAFDAC revealed that its officials seized two trailer loads of unregistered narcotics, banned tramadol, and counterfeit drugs concealed within non-drug sections of the market.
“However, intelligence led the agency to search these areas, revealing large quantities of illicit pharmaceuticals,” the statement read, addressing claims by traders that the agency was unfairly targeting non-drug sections.
NAFDAC also highlighted the security risks involved in the operation, recalling a violent attack on its officials and police officers during a similar raid three years ago.
“Heightened security measures were necessary due to a past incident three years ago when NAFDAC officials and police officers were attacked and narrowly escaped death while conducting a similar raid,” the agency stated.
The agency acknowledged the crucial role played by the National Security Adviser (NSA) in ensuring the operation’s success.
“Without the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the progress made in this operation would not have been possible,” it added.
According to NAFDAC, the ongoing enforcement has led to the discovery of illicit drugs worth billions of naira, many of which were being repackaged and revalidated under false claims before being sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Since the operation began over a week ago, NAFDAC has reportedly removed at least 10 fully loaded 40-foot trucks filled with fake, substandard, and adulterated drugs from the market, some falsely bearing NAFDAC’s approval.
