NAFDAC seizes fake malaria drugs worth N1.2 billion in Lagos warehouse. 277 cartons of counterfeit medicines imported from China intercepted.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully intercepted a significant consignment of counterfeit and unregistered malaria drugs in Lagos State, valued at over N1.2 billion.
The seizure involved 277 cartons of fake medicines discovered at a warehouse in the Ilasa-Oshodi area on August 29.
The cargo had been suspiciously declared as spare parts, but further investigation revealed its true contents.
NAFDAC’s operation, according to the agency, was part of ongoing efforts to curb the circulation of substandard and counterfeit pharmaceuticals in Nigeria.
The intercepted drugs were labelled as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg but were actually Artemether/Lumefantrine 80/480mg tablets, a commonly used anti-malaria medication.
The fake drugs had been illegally imported from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group, China.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, explained that the container was tracked from Apapa, Lagos, where it had been declared as spare parts.
“Our operatives intercepted the consignment at the warehouse while it was being offloaded, acting on credible intelligence,” he said.
Dr. Iluyomade added that the operation sheds light on the sophisticated methods used by perpetrators to smuggle counterfeit drugs into the Nigerian market.
He noted that the raid forms part of a broader strategy following the agency’s tripartite operations in Onitsha, Aba, and Idumota markets.
“Since completing those operations, enforcement has continued underground, piecing together the networks that facilitate these illegal imports,” Dr. Iluyomade said.
He described the current interception as a breakthrough in understanding how counterfeit drugs enter and move within Nigeria.
The investigation revealed that the consignment contained 498,600 doses of fake anti-malaria drugs.
Authorities further confirmed that the person behind the importation, previously based in Onitsha, has relocated to China but continues to ship the drugs into Nigeria, where they quickly find their way into the market.
“The individual responsible for this operation exploits international supply chains to bypass regulatory oversight,” Dr. Iluyomade said.
Pharmacist Uba Florence, NAFDAC’s Deputy Director of Pharmaceuticals, led the operation and stressed the deliberate misbranding used to evade detection.
“These drugs were not registered with NAFDAC and were intentionally labelled as other products. Such practices pose a severe threat to public health and safety,” she stated.
The operation underscores the challenges regulators face in monitoring imports and enforcing compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to eliminating counterfeit medicines from circulation.
“With the full support of the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC remains dedicated to protecting Nigerians from fake and substandard drugs,” she said.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that counterfeit pharmaceuticals are not only illegal but also endanger lives, particularly when they involve life-saving medications such as anti-malarials.
Substandard or fake drugs can result in treatment failure, prolonged illness, drug resistance, and, in severe cases, death.
Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, making it crucial for regulatory authorities to prevent counterfeit anti-malarial drugs from reaching consumers.
This operation is part of NAFDAC’s broader enforcement and intelligence-driven approach, which combines monitoring of imports, market surveillance, and coordination with law enforcement agencies.
By intercepting fake drugs at warehouses and ports of entry, NAFDAC aims to cut off the supply chain and deter illegal activities.
The agency has also been working to educate the public about the dangers of purchasing medicines from unverified sources and the importance of verifying NAFDAC registration numbers.
The Lagos seizure highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by counterfeiters, including mislabelling, concealment, and the use of international networks.
By successfully intercepting this shipment, NAFDAC has demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the importance of continuous vigilance.
The interception of 277 cartons of fake malaria drugs in Lagos serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
It reinforces the need for strict regulatory oversight, international cooperation, and public awareness to protect health and save lives.
NAFDAC continues to lead the fight against fake drugs in Nigeria, ensuring that consumers receive safe, effective, and genuine medications.