NAFDAC Seizes 16 Containers Of Substandard Drugs, Tomato Paste Worth N20.5bn

In a major crackdown on illicit imports, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted 16 containers of substandard and falsified pharmaceutical products and unwholesome tomato paste, valued at over N20.5 billion, at Onne Port in Port Harcourt.

NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement yesterday that the consignment which comprised 11 containers of various unregistered/banned pharmaceutical products as well as four containers of unwholesome tomato paste, were received from the Nigerian Customs Service, at Onne Port, Port Harcourt on Saturday.

The drugs seized included 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup; a controlled, prescription-only medicine, 12.6 million tablets of tramadol; a powerful and addictive painkiller, 9.3 million tablets of falsified branded diclofenac; a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and 280 packages of Hyergra tablets; a fake version of sildenafil citrate used for erectile dysfunction.

Also intercepted were four containers of unregistered, substandard tomato paste, deemed unfit for human consumption, the statement added.

Commending the Nigeria Customs Service for its collaborative effort, NAFDAC DG, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, reaffirmed NAFDAC’s resolve to rid the country of dangerous and falsified products.

She issued a stern warning to perpetrators and their collaborators both within and outside the country.

“We want to send a clear message to unscrupulous merchants that under our watch, substandard and fake food and drug products will not gain access to our people. Threats of death, kidnapping, and attempts to discourage our staff will not deter us,” she said.

Prof. Adeyeye urged Nigerians to support the agency by reporting suspicious products or activities through any of NAFDAC’s offices or social media platforms.

She emphasised the grave health risks associated with consuming substandard food and drugs, including acute food poisoning and gastrointestinal illnesses, nutritional deficiencies and chronic organ damage, increased risk of cancer from toxic additives, allergic reactions and respiratory problems, cognitive disruption and food addiction from ultra-processed expired products.

The DG also stressed the importance of institutional cooperation in the fight against fake and harmful products, pledging continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the health and safety of Nigerians.