Massive scandal uncovered in Aba! NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) just shut down a warehouse packed to the BRIM with expired drugs. This isn’t just a few bad pills; we’re talking a whole operation designed to put dangerous, outdated medications back on the streets. Read on to get the full shocking story!
Here’s the lowdown:
- NAFDAC busted a six-flat warehouse in Aba.
- The warehouse was filled with expired foreign drugs and supplements.
- Owners allegedly repackaged and resold expired products.
- A machine used to revalidate expired products was discovered.
- Several arrests have been made, but the main suspect is on the run.
NAFDAC Uncovers Shocking Expired Drug Operation
Imagine buying medicine, thinking it will make you better, but it’s actually POISON. That’s what was happening in Aba, until NAFDAC stepped in. The agency raided a massive warehouse containing expired drugs and supplements. This wasn’t some small-time operation; it was a well-organized scheme to profit from the public’s health. The warehouse, located in Umummeje, Umuocheala in Osisioma LGA of Abia, was filled with enough expired products to make your head spin.
‘Evil Against His Own People’: NAFDAC Coordinator Speaks Out
Mr. Martins Iluyomade, the South East Zonal Coordinator of NAFDAC, was SHOCKED by the scale of the operation. “This is a twin two-story duplex with Boy’s Quarters filled with expired products to the brim,” he said. “I don’t understand how somebody can be this evil against his own people. We are all Nigerians, and we should not be this evil to ourselves.”
Iluyomade revealed that some of the expired products were even purchased recently, still in their new cartons! Shipment markings indicated that they arrived via Ikeja Airport in Lagos, raising serious questions about how these expired drugs made their way into the country.
Repackaging Death: The Sinister Scheme
The owners of the warehouse allegedly bought expired products or received them from importers. Their plan? To repackage and resell them to unsuspecting buyers. NAFDAC even found a MACHINE used to revalidate expired products, along with piles of unused labels. This is a clear sign of a deliberate and dangerous attempt to deceive the public.
Hypertension Meds Turned Deadly
Iluyomade was particularly disturbed by the presence of expired anti-hypertensive medicines. “If somebody has hypertension and you went to buy foreign drugs for him, and you are buying death again, a person doing that deserves a death sentence,” he declared. Expired medication can have reduced effectiveness or even harmful side effects, making it a serious threat to public health.
Arrests Made, Main Suspect Still at Large
While several arrests have been made, including the suspect’s wife, the main culprit is still on the run. According to reports, when the suspect was informed that his wife was in custody, he callously responded that they should “continue to keep her.” NAFDAC has vowed to bring him to justice. “Regarding the house, the law will take its course because everything here, including the buildings, have become a scene of crime,” Iluyomade stated.
NAFDAC Pushing for Stricter Laws
NAFDAC is determined to prevent similar incidents in the future. The agency’s DG is pushing for a review of its laws to make them as strict as those in China, where those caught with fake or substandard medicines face the death penalty. This shows the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from dangerous and fake drugs.
A Collaborative Effort for a Safer Nigeria
The success of this operation was a result of collaboration between NAFDAC, the Police, the Army, and the DSS. Iluyomade thanked Gov. Alex Otti of Abia for his support and expressed hope that the agencies would continue to work together to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
The fight against Fake Drugs
The recent bust of the expired drugs warehouse in Aba highlights a concerning issue within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry: the presence of fake and substandard medications. According to a 2018 study published in the journal “The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene”, an estimated 16.3% of drug samples in Nigeria were found to be substandard or falsified.
What You Can Do: Tips for Safe Medication Purchases
- Buy from trusted sources: Purchase medications only from licensed pharmacies and retailers.
- Check the expiration date: Always verify the expiration date before taking any medication.
- Inspect the packaging: Be wary of medications with damaged or tampered packaging.
- Consult with a healthcare professional: If you have any doubts about the authenticity or safety of a medication, consult with a doctor or pharmacist.
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