NAFDAC Uncovers Warehouses Stocked with Expired Drugs in Aba

 

In a major crackdown on counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered two warehouses in Aba, Abia State, filled with expired and relabeled drugs.

The operation took place at No. 269, Sam Mbakwe Road (formerly Faulk’s Road), Aba, where authorities discovered large quantities of expired drugs that had been stored and illegally relabeled for resale. According to NAFDAC, some cartons of these dangerous products had already been removed by the suspects before security reinforcements arrived.

The investigation extended to another warehouse located at Umumeje, Umuocheala, Osisioma LGA, where 140 tonnes of expired drugs were seized. This figure does not include additional products confiscated from drug shops at Ariaria International Market, a well-known commercial hub in the region.

As part of the enforcement action, 178 drug samples collected during the raid will undergo laboratory analysis to determine their composition and potential health risks. The agency is working to trace the individuals responsible for the illegal distribution of these expired drugs and ensure they face the full force of the law.

This discovery highlights the ongoing threat of counterfeit and expired drugs in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market. The sale of such products poses severe risks to public health, leading to ineffective treatments, drug resistance, and in extreme cases, fatalities.

NAFDAC continues to warn consumers to only purchase medications from licensed pharmacies and report any suspicious drug sales to authorities. The agency remains committed to ensuring drug safety and cracking down on those who endanger public health for profit.