National Agency for food and control (NAFDAC) conducted a raid on the Ekumi drug market in Aba, Abia state. The aim is to trackle the sale of unregistered and banned products, ensuring public safety. The raid which began around dawn,.involved NAFDAC officials and security personnel,.targeting one of the region’s largest pharmaceutical markets.
Their mission was to seize and remove from circulation counterfeit drugs, expired medications, and substances that have been banned due to health risk.
A significant amount of non-compliant products were confiscated during the operation. Local traders faced scrutiny, with several being detained for further investigation into their involvement in distributing these hazardous items.
The NAFDAC South East Zone Coordinator emphasized the raid’s purpose, stating, “Our focus is to eliminate health hazards by ensuring only safe, NAFDAC-approved products reach the public.” This operation is part of a broader initiative by NAFDAC to cleanse Nigerian markets of substandard and fake drugs.
The Ekumi Drug Market, known for its extensive trade in pharmaceuticals, has been under watch due to previous reports of illegal drug sales. The raid serves as a stark reminder to all market operators of the need to adhere to regulatory standards.
NAFDAC is encouraging consumers to utilize their mobile authentication service to verify the legitimacy of drugs before buying. This initiative seeks to empower individuals in the fight against counterfeit products.
Following the raid, the seized products will undergo thorough examination, and legal proceedings are expected against those found in violation of drug regulations. This operation not only aims to protect public health but also to enforce the law rigorously across Nigeria’s commercial landscape.
