NAFDAC seizes ₦20.5bn worth of fake drugs, toxic tomato paste at Onne Port

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized 16 containers of falsified pharmaceutical products and unwholesome tomato paste worth over ₦20.5 billion at Onne Port in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the agency disclosed that the intercepted consignment included 11 containers of unregistered and banned drugs, along with four containers of substandard tomato paste. The items were received from the Nigeria Customs Service.

Among the seized pharmaceutical products were 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, a prescription-only controlled substance; 12.6 million tablets of tramadol, a potent and addictive painkiller; 9.3 million tablets of counterfeit branded diclofenac, a common anti-inflammatory drug; and 280 packs of fake Hyergra tablets, a falsified version of sildenafil citrate used for treating erectile dysfunction.

The four containers of tomato paste were deemed unfit for human consumption.

NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, commended the Customs Service for its collaboration and vowed that the agency would not relent in its efforts to protect Nigerians from harmful and substandard products.

She warned perpetrators and their collaborators both within and outside Nigeria to desist, stressing that threats, intimidation, and attempts to weaken the agency’s resolve would not succeed.

She urged Nigerians to assist NAFDAC by reporting suspicious products or activities through the agency’s offices or social media channels.

Professor Adeyeye emphasized the serious health risks associated with consuming fake drugs and substandard foods, which could lead to food poisoning, chronic organ damage, respiratory issues, increased cancer risks, nutritional deficiencies, and even cognitive impairment.

She concluded by highlighting the importance of institutional cooperation in the ongoing war against counterfeit and harmful products, and pledged continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure public safety and health across the country.