NAFDAC seizes ₦20.5bn worth of fake drugs, tomato paste

In a major offensive against the inflow of counterfeit goods, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted 16 containers loaded with substandard drugs and unwholesome tomato paste, with an estimated value of over ₦20.5 billion.

The seizure, made at Onne Port in Port Harcourt, includes 11 containers of unregistered pharmaceutical products and four containers of contaminated tomato paste.

Among the seized items were 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, a prescription-only medication known for its addictive properties; 12.6 million tablets of tramadol, an opioid painkiller linked to substance abuse; 9.3 million falsified tablets of diclofenac, and 280 packs of Hyergra—an imitation of sildenafil citrate used for treating erectile dysfunction.

The agency disclosed the seizure followed a joint operation with the Nigeria Customs Service. The tomato paste, described as unregistered and substandard, was considered unsafe for human consumption. NAFDAC noted that such products pose severe public health risks, from food poisoning to long-term organ damage.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Moji Adeyeye, commended the customs for their collaboration and restated the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from hazardous consumables.

“We want to send a clear message to unscrupulous merchants that under our watch, substandard and fake food and drug products will not gain access to our people,” she said.

Adeyeye also called attention to the dangers of consuming substandard food and medicines, listing potential health outcomes such as gastrointestinal illnesses, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and even cancer due to toxic substances. She called on citizens to report suspicious products through NAFDAC’s offices or social media platforms.

While decrying threats, kidnappings, and intimidation attempts aimed at NAFDAC staff, Adeyeye vowed that such tactics would not deter the agency’s efforts. She emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation between regulatory bodies and stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.