NAFDAC Seals Over 3,000 Shops in Lagos, Seizes 12 Truckloads of Fake Drugs

In a major crackdown, NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) sealed over 3,000 shops in Lagos’ Idumota Market, uncovering fake drugs and unsafe storage practices. They seized 12 truckloads of illicit pharmaceuticals, including banned drugs and expired medicines.

While NAFDAC’s actions demonstrate the agency’s commitment to public health safety, the situation highlights a concerning contradiction. Despite the agency’s extensive enforcement, these illegal activities have persisted for years, underlining serious gaps in regulatory control. In some cases, vaccines were stored in dangerous conditions, such as unventilated rooms sealed with iron sheets. The very medicines meant to save lives are instead being compromised by criminal negligence.

Further compounding the irony is the discovery of Ecstasy (MDMA), Codeine, and Tramadol hidden away in a warehouse, far from the legitimate pharmaceutical areas. These substances, often used for recreational purposes or inappropriately abused, were being sold alongside life-saving treatments like HIV drugs, further blurring the lines between essential healthcare and dangerous substances.

What do you think of the persistence of counterfeit drugs in our markets despite regulatory efforts? Have you seen or encountered fake medications being sold near you? Share your experiences and thoughts on how this situation can be improved.

Source: Channel TV