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

In a statement posted on 𝕏 on Saturday, NAFDAC revealed that the raid uncovered alarming violations, including vaccines stored in poorly ventilated, makeshift iron-sheet rooms, posing serious health risks.

Officials also seized large quantities of prohibited and hazardous drugs, including Analgin injections, diverted HIV antiretroviral medications, and expired drugs intended for illegal 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 discoveries were vaccines stored in dilapidated, unventilated rooms sealed with iron sheets in highly unsanitary conditions.

“Additionally, large consignments of banned products, including Analgin injections, diverted-free HIV antiretroviral drugs, expired medicines set for revalidation, and unregistered pharmaceuticals, were found.

“We have evacuated illicit pharmaceuticals equivalent to 12 truckloads.

“Empty packs and cartons of expired unregistered antimalarial injections were discovered inside a packing shop. The vials were removed.

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

NAFDAC emphasized that this enforcement aligns with its ongoing efforts to sanitize Nigeria’s drug distribution system and combat the rising threat of counterfeit and dangerous medications.

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