The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated suspected counterfeit malaria drugs valued at ₦1.2 billion in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Friday, NAFDAC disclosed that its operatives uncovered 277 cartons of the fake drug known as Malamal Forte at a warehouse in the Ilasa-Oshodi area of the state.
According to the agency, the counterfeit products were smuggled into Nigeria from China, disguised as spare parts, and hidden in cartons labelled Diclofenac Potassium 50mg.
“NAFDAC has intercepted 277 cartons of counterfeit and unregistered Malamal Forte malaria drugs, valued at over ₦1.2 billion, in a warehouse located in the Ilasa-Oshodi area of Lagos State,” the statement reads.
“The fake drugs, which were concealed in cartons labelled as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg, were illegally imported from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China.
“They were falsely declared as spare parts in the shipping container.”
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasised the agency’s commitment to eliminating counterfeit and substandard medicines from circulation.
“This seizure is part of NAFDAC’s sustained nationwide operation to protect public health and ensure only safe, quality medicines are available to Nigerians,” she said.