By Ugochukwu Alaribe

The National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has burst massive buildings filled with expired drugs and supplements at Umumeje village, in Umuocheala community, Osisioma Ngwa council area of Abia state.

He thanked Governor Alex Otti for his support for the success of the operation, stressing that the team has been getting adequate cooperation from the state government.

The massive compound with two-storey building, boys’ quarters and four other bungalows, located few kilometres to the popular Ariaria International market,was discovered to be the hub of distribution of expired and fake drugs and supplements.

In an interview with newsmen after the raid aided by security agents, Director General of NAFDAC, South-East Zone, Pharmacist Martins Iluyomade, disclosed a wide range of fake and expired drugs discovered at the buildings.

They include; “2021 expired Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 750MG which is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient.

“Another one is some cartons of Levorid Tablet is used to treat allergic symptoms such as common cold, allergic rhinitis (running nose), urticaria, insect bite and hives. It is also used to relieve symptoms of allergy because of dust and pet allergies.

“Ocuvite, a medication which is a multivitamin product used to treat or prevent vitamin deficiency because of poor diet, certain illnesses was seen as well been revalidated.

“Multiple labels of Nature’s Field L&K Cap (Liver & Kidney Cleanser) that promotes natural cleansing and detoxification of the human body’s vital organs and help to eliminate harmful toxins, and also promotes liver function, bladder and kidney health (Liver & kidney detox) was equally found.

“Multiple cartons of 2021 expired Zarbee’s Elderberry (42cl) Daily Immune Support which originally contain an excellent source of vitamins A, C, D3, E and zinc, which are said to be powerful ingredients that have been clinically studied for their role in supporting the immune system.

“Also found where multiple Fenofibrate (also known as fenofibric acid) which is used as an add-on medication to diet to treat high triglycerides and high cholesterol.

“Expired large number of NMN Resveratrol capsule Supplement which the manufacturers on the information available said promote metabolism and energy levels, repairs damaged DNA, boost energy, physical performance and cognition and supports healthy ageing for improved sleep quality of life was also found there.

“Other products discovered include Tetracyclines HCI Capsules, USP 250MG used to treat infections and to help control acne; Triple Omega, a mixed formula of fish, flaxseed, and evening primrose oil, that provides the three main types of fatty acids used by the body (Omegas 3–6–9).

“Another product that was found on that premises is Glutathione 500mg, which is said to be used for Liver Disease, Lung Health, Kidney Health, Heart Health, Support Cancer Health and Skin Lightening. Also found were newly printed labels of the SKG Primpex DS (Co-trimoxazole 960mg).

He lamented that the discovery of two-storey twin-duplex, a boys’ quarters and several bungalows filled to the brim with expired foreign drugs and supplements is one he has never seen since his years of service.

He said; “Honestly, I’m short of words with what we saw at the massive buildings ,because I kept seeing more rooms filled with expired drugs. I feel like crying when I saw so many expired anti hypotensives.

“Imagine somebody who already has hypertension who was asked to buy expensive foreign drugs. On getting to the market, he pays someone a huge some of money to buy his death quickly. Honestly, those who do this deserve something worst.

“One of the shocking thing here is that some of the expired drugs are newly purchased with their new cartons. We are seeing an odd and strange system here where people specialize in dealing with expired products or people who have expired products will invite someone notorious in handling such to repackage and give back for public consumption.

“What we have seen here are foreign drugs, very expensive foreign drugs that one cannot buy anyhow. To be frank with you, we cannot quantify what is here for now because the entire building without a space left was filled with expired drugs.

“To make sense of what we are saying here, you saw the machine used to repackage expired products in a new form and re-validate them. We saw where labels of expired products are removed with a similar label produced for revalidation.

“So, to put you through, this place is like a depot for expired foreign drugs. And it also has a mini factory where the rebranding of expired drugs takes place through the production of new labels with new expired dates placed on them.

When asked whether any suspect was arrested, Iluyomade said, “an arrest has been made. The police have arrested a few people and they are with the police, but the main suspect, who is the owner of this place, is on the run.

“Even when he was called and told that his family is with the security agents, he surprisingly didn’t care and said they can hold the family.

“The law will surely take its course because everything you see here now has become a scene of crime. The building, the vehicles and everything here are pieces of evidence at this scene of crime.”

Iluyomade further disclosed that the government is committed to making the drug market in the country free from expired, substandard and fake products

“This operation is a joint operation by collaboration with all sister agencies like the police, Army, DSS and people who are on the background working in synergy with NAFDAC to make sure that we end this system of fake, falsified and expired products in this country. Nigerians have been crying.

“Now, you can see that the present government in its determined vigor, has taken this to a new level to say that Nigeria is no longer a haven for fake, substandard and expired products. So, it is a coordinated operation from the presidency. It shows that the administration is in support.

“We have heard the cry of treatment failure, we have heard the cry of fake and substandard products everywhere. I’m sure you have even heard some people alleging that NAFDAC has not been working, now we are all seeing it.

“The cleansing will continue. However, let nobody get our intention twisted. We want to send a message to our people here. We’re not asking anybody not to do genuine business.

“However, because you want to do business, you don’t do business at the detriment of other citizens. There must be a law to follow in whatever business you want to do. Anyone who does fake business can do genuine business. This is purely evil.”

Iluyomade also disclosed that NAFDAC is currently reviewing its laws to enable more severe punishment for the culprits who indulge in selling and distribution of fake and expired products.

He said;, “That’s why I want to say this. Note, I’m saying this on behalf of the management that we’re reviewing our laws.

“My Director General made that clarification some days ago that anybody caught involved in this fake and substandard products system should face death sentence as a penalty. I’m just re-echoing what the DG said.”

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