The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals by uncovering an illegal drug manufacturing facility. The facility was discovered operating from an uncompleted three-storey building in Azagba Ogwashi, near Issele-Azagba in Delta State. This building, which also served as a residential apartment, housed a clandestine factory on its ground floor dedicated to the production of illicit and adulterated drugs, including dangerous injectables.

The raid, spearheaded by NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, led to the arrest of Blessing Igwe. She is the wife of Ekene Igwe, the suspected mastermind behind the illegal operation, who is currently at large. NAFDAC officials also profiled other occupants of the building. Ekene Igwe is described as a major trader at the Ogbo-Ogu Bridge Head drug Market in Onitsha, known for his involvement in the illicit drug business.

Babatunji Omoyeni, Deputy Director and Head of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Task Force for the South-South and South-East regions, stated that the successful operation was launched based on credible intelligence and tip-offs received from concerned citizens. Omoyeni revealed that the agency had previously traced the illicit distribution network of these counterfeit drugs to a shop located at the Ogbo-Ogu, Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, where the dangerous products were being sold to unsuspecting members of the public.

During the raid, NAFDAC officials seized a substantial quantity of incriminating items. These included a large drum containing vials soaked in suspicious liquid substances, various adulterated drugs, and a significant number of expired drugs that were in the process of being rebranded with fraudulent new labels. Among the recovered counterfeit products were chloroquine phosphate (322mg/5ml), petazine injection (50mg/2ml), and gentamycin injection (280mg/2ml), all bearing falsified labels to deceive consumers.

Omoyeni confirmed that Blessing Igwe, the arrested suspect, will be arraigned and prosecuted based on her level of involvement in the illegal manufacturing and distribution operation. He also noted that NAFDAC is intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend the fugitive prime suspect, Ekene Igwe.

Dr Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director for the South-East Zone, expressed profound concern over the discovery. He lamented the severe potential health hazards posed by these counterfeit drugs, many of which had reportedly expired over seven years ago before being dangerously rebranded for sale. “I feel very sad for our country and the kind of things that are playing out. Only God knows how many people have died from consumption of the illicit drugs produced by these merchants who are looking for money at all cost, and perpetrating these heinous crimes using all manners of avenue,” Iluyomade stated. He emphasized NAFDAC's determination to find lasting solutions to this menace and protect public health.

Dr Iluyomade further disclosed that NAFDAC plans to confiscate the uncompleted building used as the illicit factory. He issued a stern warning to drug merchants who, knowing that the Ogbo-Ogu market in Onitsha is no longer a safe haven for their criminal activities, have relocated to remote areas like Asaba. These individuals are reportedly using uncompleted buildings in these new locations to continue their dangerous practice of relabelling expired injectables and other drugs.

NAFDAC reiterated its unwavering commitment to dismantling counterfeit drug networks across the country. The agency urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious drug-related activities to the authorities. Dr Iluyomade assured the public, “This time, NAFDAC is coming forward with solution to make sure that Nigerians are safe and we are able to safeguard the health of the public.”