Massive Crackdown: NAFDAC Shuts Down 3,000 Shops, Seizes 12 Trucks Of Fake Drugs In Idumota

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its crackdown on illicit and counterfeit pharmaceuticals, shutting down over 3,000 shops at the Idumota Open Drug Market in Lagos within a week of enforcement operations.

This was revealed in a statement posted on by NAFDAC on Saturday.

During the raid, officials uncovered alarming violations, including vaccines stored in poorly ventilated, makeshift iron-sheet rooms, posing severe health risks.

Additionally, large quantities of banned and dangerous drugs were seized, such as Analgin injections, illegally diverted HIV antiretroviral medications, and expired drugs set for unlawful revalidation.

The statement read: “In the first week of enforcement, NAFDAC screened and sealed over 3,000 shops within the Idumota Open Drug Market in Lagos.”

*”Among the findings were vaccines stored in rundown, unventilated rooms enclosed with iron sheets in highly unsanitary conditions.

“Authorities also confiscated large consignments of banned products, including Analgin injections, diverted free HIV antiretroviral drugs, expired medicines intended for revalidation, and unregistered pharmaceuticals.

“We have removed illicit pharmaceuticals amounting to 12 truckloads.

“Empty packs and cartons of expired, unregistered antimalarial injections were discovered inside a repackaging shop, with the vials already extracted.

“#HappeningNow: Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly), various brands of Codeine Cough Syrup, and Tramadol 225 were found in a warehouse within the market, separate from the pharmaceutical section where other products are sold.”*

NAFDAC emphasized that this enforcement action is part of its ongoing efforts to sanitize Nigeria’s drug distribution network and combat the rising threat of counterfeit and harmful medications.