The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a major depot dealing in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State.
NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement on X, revealing that the illicit operation was being run from multiple buildings near the Ariaria International Market.
The agency stated that expired medicines were being repackaged and revalidated for resale, posing a severe health risk to consumers.
“Seized items consisted of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments,” the statement read.
Machines used to rebrand and alter expiry dates were also discovered at the site. Despite attempts to reach him, the prime suspect showed no concern for his detained family members.
The raid, conducted in collaboration with security agencies, led to the arrest of several individuals linked to the operation. However, the mastermind behind the illicit trade remains at large.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating the distribution of substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria, stating that it is currently reviewing its laws to impose stricter penalties on offenders.