NAFDAC Seizes Repackaged Malaria Drugs In Lagos

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has evacuated a 40-foot container-load of malaria drugs that were repackaged and presented as new in Ojo, Lagos State.

The operation, carried out on Christmas Eve, led to the evacuation of the seized drugs from a four-storey building where they were being repackaged, pending their destruction.

Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, Dr Martins Iluyomade, who led the operation, called for capital punishment for those involved in the production, repackaging or circulation of fake, expired or substandard drugs, describing the act as a grave crime against humanity.

Iluyomade, who represented the director-general of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that a proposal advocating stricter punishment, including the death penalty, is already before the National Assembly for consideration.

According to him, countries like China have taken decisive measures by executing manufacturers of fake and substandard drugs, stressing that Nigerians involved in similar criminal activities should not be allowed to walk freely on the streets.

He argued that the activities of such perpetrators are more dangerous than terrorism, given their long-term impact on public health and human lives.

“Fake drugs or the repackaging of expired drugs, as seen in this case, should attract the death penalty. Someone relabelling drugs that expired in 2022 and 2024 is deliberately harming innocent Nigerians.

“Users are exposed to drug resistance, where their immune systems become hardened against treatment.

“This is the situation many people find themselves in after being exposed to expired or substandard drugs. Since these criminals are killing innocent people silently, they should also face the ultimate punishment to serve as a strong deterrent,” Prof Adeyeye stated.

Earlier, the chairman of Ojo local government, Hon Muhibat Rufai, reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to flushing out dubious and illegal businesses operating within the community.

She urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) to continue complementing the efforts of the state government in ensuring security and good governance by remaining vigilant and acting as watchdogs in their neighbourhoods.

According to the council chairman, it was residents of the area who uncovered the warehouse where the expired malaria drugs were being repackaged for sale.

She explained that community members noticed suspicious movements around the building and promptly reported the matter to the Ojo Police Station.

“Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ojo Police Station and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, visited the premises to assess the situation and ensure proper investigation,” she said.

Residents further revealed that while tiles and other building materials were stored on the first floor of the building, another section was allegedly being used for the illegal repackaging of expired drugs meant for distribution to the public.