The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully evacuated over 50 truckloads of fake and illicit drugs from the Bridge Head Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State. The agency also made a shocking discovery of dangerous weapons hidden within the market during its operation, which began on February 10.
NAFDAC, the federal agency responsible for regulating food and drugs in Nigeria, revealed that its security team uncovered two rifles, live ammunition, machetes, and other dangerous weapons while carrying out the operation. The findings are alarming, especially because the market is a major hub for the sale and distribution of pharmaceutical products.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, expressed her concern over the discovery of these weapons, stating that they may have been intended for an assassination attempt on the agency’s South-East Zonal Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade. Dr. Iluyomade regularly holds debriefing sessions at the Bridge Head Drug Market, and the discovery of weapons near these sessions raised fears for his safety.
“It is disturbing to discover weapons in the heart of the market,” Adeyeye said through Dr. Iluyomade. “This is a serious situation, especially when we consider that there were two separate attempts by criminals to break into the storage facilities where we were keeping the seized counterfeit drugs.”
The NAFDAC operation in Onitsha has been met with resistance from some criminal elements in the area, but the agency has vowed to continue its efforts to clean up the market. Despite the threats, NAFDAC’s security team has successfully thwarted the attempts by hoodlums to breach the storage facilities where the confiscated drugs were kept. Two suspects were arrested during these attempts and are currently assisting authorities with their investigations.
According to Adeyeye, the weapons recovered, which included daggers and machetes in addition to the rifles, highlight the serious threats posed by illegal activities in the market. These weapons were likely intended for use against the agency’s team as they worked to remove the illicit drugs. However, NAFDAC’s quick response and the support of its security team ensured that no harm came to the officers involved in the operation.
“We are grateful to our security personnel who acted swiftly and ensured that the operation continued smoothly. Thanks to their intervention, we were able to recover these dangerous weapons and prevent further violence,” Adeyeye stated. “The arrests of the suspects are also crucial in understanding the full scope of criminal activities in the market.”
The operation is part of a nationwide effort by NAFDAC to rid Nigerian markets of substandard and counterfeit drugs that pose serious health risks to the public. The agency has long warned about the dangers of fake medicines and has been working tirelessly to ensure that only genuine pharmaceutical products reach consumers. These counterfeit drugs are often made with harmful chemicals and can lead to serious health issues or even death when consumed.
During the operation, NAFDAC also moved the seized drugs to a more secure facility for further examination and legal action. The agency has assured the public that it will continue to clamp down on illegal drug practices, which have become a significant problem in many parts of Nigeria.
Market leaders in the Bridge Head Drug Market have cooperated with NAFDAC throughout the operation, and some sections of the market are expected to reopen this week. This cooperation has been crucial in ensuring that the operation proceeded smoothly, and Adeyeye praised the market leaders for their understanding of the seriousness of the situation.
“We want to thank the market leaders for their cooperation in this exercise,” said Adeyeye. “While the operation is still ongoing, we believe that the market will continue to function safely as we continue our efforts to remove harmful drugs from the market.”
The recovery of dangerous weapons and the confiscation of fake drugs from Onitsha’s Bridge Head Market are part of NAFDAC’s larger mission to ensure the safety of Nigerian consumers. The agency has committed to intensifying its efforts to combat the illegal drug trade and ensure that harmful drugs do not reach the public.
NAFDAC’s ongoing work has garnered praise from various health and safety organizations, which have recognized the agency’s commitment to improving public health. In recent years, NAFDAC has increased its focus on drug counterfeiting, which has become a major concern in many countries, including Nigeria.
The crackdown in Onitsha is a clear message to criminals and those involved in the illegal drug trade that NAFDAC is determined to rid Nigerian markets of harmful drugs. The agency’s efforts align with broader public health initiatives in Nigeria, as the government works to improve healthcare and protect the well-being of its citizens.
In addition to its work in Onitsha, NAFDAC has been involved in several other nationwide operations aimed at eliminating counterfeit drugs. The agency has been working with law enforcement and other government agencies to tackle this issue from all angles, including tightening regulations on the importation and sale of pharmaceutical products.
Fake drugs are a growing problem not only in Onitsha but in other major Nigerian cities. These drugs are often smuggled into the country through illegal channels and then sold in open markets, making it difficult for consumers to know what they are purchasing. The lack of regulation in many of these markets makes it easy for counterfeit drugs to make their way into the hands of unsuspecting customers, putting their health at risk.
As part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health, NAFDAC continues to call on Nigerian citizens to be vigilant when purchasing medications. The agency has warned against buying drugs from unregulated or unknown sources, urging consumers to always check for proper labeling and approval from the agency.
