The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down a pharmacy in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, over the sale of expired and unregistered drugs. This was confirmed in a statement posted on the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.
Expired Drugs Worth ₦7 Million Seized
Acting on a tip-off from a concerned citizen, NAFDAC’s enforcement team raided the pharmacy, located on Onitsha Crescent.
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During the operation, they uncovered expired pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦7 million, including unregistered “H-Pylori” test kits that pose significant public health risks.
Despite attempts by the pharmacy staff to obstruct the raid, NAFDAC successfully sealed the premises and confiscated the expired items.
Arrests and Legal Actions
The pharmacy’s Managing Director and Superintendent Pharmacist were taken into custody for questioning. NAFDAC confirmed that stringent sanctions would follow to deter unethical practices in the pharmaceutical industry.
A section of the statement reads:
“Acting on a tip-off, NAFDAC’s enforcement team uncovered several expired items worth over ₦7 million, including ‘H-Pylori’ test kits, which posed significant risks to public health. The pharmacy has been sealed, and the suspects are in custody for further investigation.”
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Public Awareness and Caution
NAFDAC has urged consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing drugs and other regulated products.
The agency also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding public health.
Implications for Public Safety
This operation highlights NAFDAC’s commitment to cracking down on unethical practices in the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring that only safe and approved products are available to the public.