Azagba Ogwashi, Delta State – In a significant crackdown on counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismantled an illegal drug manufacturing operation concealed within an uncompleted three-storey building in Azagba Ogwashi, near Issele-Azagba, Delta State.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Illegal Operation Uncovered: NAFDAC discovered a clandestine drug factory producing counterfeit and expired medications.
- Arrest Made: Blessing Igwe, wife of the suspected mastermind, was apprehended; her husband, Ekene Igwe, remains at large.
- Hazardous Substances Seized: Authorities confiscated expired and adulterated drugs, including chloroquine phosphate, petazine, and gentamycin injections.
- Public Health Risk: The counterfeit drugs posed significant health hazards to unsuspecting consumers.
- Ongoing Investigation: NAFDAC is intensifying efforts to apprehend the fugitive suspect and dismantle the counterfeit drug network
📰 The Full Story:
Acting on credible intelligence, NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate raided an uncompleted building in Azagba Ogwashi, uncovering a makeshift drug factory operating on the ground floor. The facility was found to be producing and repackaging expired and counterfeit injectable drugs, which were then distributed to unsuspecting consumers.
Among the seized items were vials soaked in suspicious liquids, rebranded expired drugs, and various dangerous injectables, including chloroquine phosphate (322mg/5ml), petazine injection (50mg/2ml), and gentamycin injection (280mg/2ml).
The operation led to the arrest of Blessing Igwe, wife of the suspected ringleader, Ekene Igwe, who is currently on the run. NAFDAC has profiled other occupants of the building and is intensifying efforts to apprehend the fugitive suspect.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director for the South-East Zone, expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, “Only God knows how many lives have been lost to these toxic substances. NAFDAC is determined to bring lasting solutions to this menace and safeguard public health.
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💬 Top Comments from X (formerly Twitter):
@HealthWatchNG: “Kudos to NAFDAC for this bust. The fight against counterfeit drugs is far from over.”
@DeltaCitizen: “It’s scary to think these fake drugs were circulating in our communities. More vigilance is needed.”
@PharmaSafe: “This highlights the importance of buying medications from reputable sources. Stay safe, Nigeria.”
@JusticeForAll: “The perpetrators must face the full wrath of the law. Public health is non-negotiable.”
@NAFDAQUpdates: “We remain committed to protecting Nigerians from counterfeit drugs. Report suspicious activities.”
NAFDAC’s recent operation in Delta State underscores the ongoing battle against counterfeit pharmaceuticals in Nigeria. The agency’s swift action has potentially saved countless lives, but the fight continues. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drug-related activities to the authorities.
Source: Guardian Nigeria
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