The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted counterfeit malaria drugs valued at over ₦1.2 billion in Lagos State.
In a statement released on Friday, the agency said its operatives seized 277 cartons of the fake medicines during a raid in the Ilasa-Oshodi area of the state.
“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 agency stated.
The consignments were illegally imported from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China and concealed in cartons labelled as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg. According to NAFDAC, the importers also falsely declared the goods as spare parts in the shipping documents.
NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eradicating counterfeit and substandard medicines in Nigeria.
“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.
Adeyeye noted that the operation was carried out with the full backing of the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health, stressing that NAFDAC will intensify its surveillance to safeguard Nigerians from dangerous products.
