NAFDAC destroys fake, expired products worth N3bn

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control has demolish fake and expired drugs and other adulterated confectioneries worth N3bn.

The Acting Director-General of the agency, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, who spoke at the destruction site in Sagamu, Ogun State, said that NAFDAC had convictions for 64 cases of counterfeiting across Nigeria, Punch reported.

Oni added that the judgements ranged from one to seven years jail term,  without option of fine.

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“We secured five years imprisonment for counterfeiters of Global Fund Artemether and another five years for those who fake cough and cold syrup. Importation of fake pharmaceutical ointments and condoms attracts 12 months imprisonment while those who fake antibiotics may face seven years jail term,” she stated.

Represented by the Director of Investigation & Enforcement Directorate, Mr.Kingsley Ejiofor, Oni noted that the improvement recorded is as a result of collaborations with sister agencies.

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“The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted and handed over seven container-load of  drugs worth about N35m to the agency. Other stakeholders such as the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria and the Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association are highly appreciated for voluntarily mopping up and handing over expired products for destruction,” Oni added.

Ejiofor in his address described faking of NAFDAC regulated products as an act of economic sabotage and ‘terrorism’ against the public.

He said, “We have increased surveillance and enforcement operations at our ports and borders and routes used by smugglers and this has led to increased seizures of fake products.”