From Ifeoma Ejiofor, Nnewi
The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control has commenced its enforcement at the popular Ọgbọ Ọgwụ Market, Bridge Head, Onitsha, in Anambra State.
During the exercise, the operatives of the agency, led by the Director, NAFDAC South East Zone, Dr Martins Iluyomade, confiscated a wide range of adulterated, substandard and expired drugs found at the various shops.
Iluyomade while briefing journalists said that the exercise was in line with the agency’s mandate of eradicating fake, banned and other spurious NAFDAC-regulated products from circulating in Nigeria.
“Among the drugs are expired, banned, substandard, deflective, repackaged and recalled products. We found out that some of the drug dealers are in the habit of imitating some popular drugs and pouring it into containers of the original manufacturer in order to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
“And these drugs are very sensitive that can lead to death or permanent disability of the consumer,” he said.
This is the second time the Agency has raided the market. The first popular raid was carried out in 2007 under the administration of Late Prof Dora Akunyili which led to the total closure of the market.
