– NAFDAC shut down over 11,000 drug shops in Aba, Onitsha, and Idumota, arresting 40 suspects linked to the sale of unregistered and dangerous drugs.
– The agency evacuated 77 truckloads of illicit drugs, including 27 from Idumota, 30 from Onitsha, and 20 from Aba, containing expired medications, controlled substances, and repackaged drugs with falsified expiry dates.
– Seized items included Tramadol 225mg, Tapfradol (banned in India), expired condoms, and vaccines stored improperly. Some drugs were found in unsanitary conditions, including toilets and unventilated warehouses.
– The operation, supported by the NSA and PCN, has only covered 20% of Onitsha so far. The agency faces staff and funding shortages, while porous borders allow the influx of fake drugs.
– The agency urged Nigerians to avoid buying drugs from street vendors, called for tighter border security, and vowed to expand the crackdown nationwide to eliminate counterfeit drugs.