NAFDAC uncovers fake, expired drug factory in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered a major operation dealing in fake, banned, and expired medicines in the Ojo area of Lagos, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

The discovery was made in collaboration with security agencies.

Officials said a four-storey building with 15 flats was being used to alter expiry dates and repackage expired pharmaceutical products for sale.

NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement and Chair of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Substandard Products, Martins Iluyomade, described the operation as a serious threat to public health.

He said officials found expired injections and tablets with tampered labels, as well as banned medicines being prepared for distribution.

Iluyomade warned that such products can cause treatment failure and increase health risks, adding that some discontinued foreign drugs were also being brought into the country and repackaged.

He vowed that both local and international collaborators would be tracked and prosecuted.

Divisional Police Officer for Ojo, CSP Omolola Opeifa, confirmed that two suspects were arrested at the scene and remain in custody.

Ojo Local Government Chairperson, Princess Muhibat Rufai, said the activities had allegedly gone on for years under the guise of building renovation.

She added that the premises have been sealed and investigations are continuing.