NAFDAC Raids Warehouses, Seizes Expired USAID, UNFPA Condoms
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recently uncovered large amounts of expired condoms and antiretroviral drugs, donated by USAID and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), during raids on warehouses in Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, revealed this in a briefing with State House correspondents on Wednesday during the ‘Meet The Press’ event at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. She disclosed that the regulatory agency had removed 87 truckloads of banned, expired, unregistered, and counterfeit medical products from more than 7,000 shops across the three markets.
“A comprehensive database of these shops and the offenses committed has been established for further action. Over 40 arrests have been made, and prosecutions will follow,” Adeyeye explained.
She also shared that she had received threats to her life as a result of NAFDAC’s operations. “I now move with security personnel. This isn’t my usual lifestyle, but I must adapt to the circumstances,” she said.
The raids revealed that numerous pharmaceutical products, including vaccines and prescription drugs, were being stored improperly in places like toilets, rooftops, and under staircases. These products were exposed to extreme temperatures, compromising their effectiveness. For example, oxytocin injections and other temperature-sensitive drugs were found in conditions that could render them ineffective.
“The issue is not just about whether the products are genuine, but also about their storage conditions. Many products that require specific temperature ranges, such as -8°C or 2°C to 8°C, were found in unsuitable environments,” Adeyeye pointed out.
Additionally, NAFDAC discovered substantial quantities of controlled drugs, such as TAFRADOL. This particular drug was recently banned in India after a BBC undercover investigation revealed that its manufacturer was involved in exporting illicit drugs to Africa, including Nigeria.
“TAFRADOL has not been licensed anywhere in the world, and it is entirely banned in the European Union,” she added.
Other controlled substances like tramadol, Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), nitrazepam, and diazepam were also seized, with Adeyeye warning that the volume of narcotics and controlled substances could pose a significant security threat to the country.
NAFDAC also found large stocks of expired antiretroviral drugs and condoms donated by USAID and UNFPA.
Regarding the continued closure of the Onitsha Head Bridge Market, Adeyeye explained that the situation had gone beyond NAFDAC’s control. She said that for the duration of the ongoing operation, shops with non-violative or non-NAFDAC regulated products were being reopened, with shop owners required to sign agreements to relocate to designated Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWC) once the operation concludes.
“The operation in Onitsha Head Bridge will continue until next week, and after that, shops with compliant products will be reopened, while violative ones will face legal action,” Adeyeye confirmed. She assured that NAFDAC’s operation would be completed by next week but emphasized that the reopening of the market would be “under NAFDAC’s terms.”
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