The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its enforcement efforts at the Idumota Open Drug Market, sealing over 3,000 shops in the first week of its operation.
The crackdown follows alarming discoveries of unsafe and illegal pharmaceutical activities within the market.
During the raid, NAFDAC officials uncovered vaccines stored in dilapidated, unventilated rooms sealed with iron sheets, posing severe health risks due to unsanitary conditions. Authorities also seized large consignments of banned pharmaceuticals, including Analgin injections, diverted free HIV antiretroviral drugs, expired medicines set for revalidation, and unregistered drugs.
A separate investigation led to the discovery of empty packs and cartons of expired, unregistered antimalarial injections inside a packing shop, where the vials had been removed. Further searches within the market exposed a warehouse stocked with illegal substances, including Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly), multiple brands of Codeine Cough Syrup, and Tramadol 225. This warehouse was located away from the pharmaceutical section, indicating an attempt to conceal the illicit operations.
NAFDAC confirmed that, so far, the agency has evacuated illicit pharmaceuticals amounting to 12 truckloads. The agency reiterated its commitment to sanitizing the drug distribution system and ensuring that only safe, approved medicines are available to the public.
Authorities warn that the crackdown will continue, with offenders facing prosecution as part of ongoing efforts to curb the circulation of fake and dangerous drugs in Nigeria.
