NAFDAC Seizes 277 Cartons Of Fake Malaria Drugs Worth Over N1.2 Billion In Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted and seized 277 cartons of counterfeit and unregistered drugs in Lagos State.

The agency, in a statement released via its official X handle on Friday, disclosed that the seizure took place in the Ilasa-Oshodi area of Lagos, South-West Nigeria.

“NAFDAC has intercepted 277 cartons of counterfeit and unregistered Malamal Forte malaria drugs, valued at over N1.2 billion, in a warehouse located in the Ilasa-Oshodi area of Lagos State,” the statement read.

Investigations revealed that the fake drugs were disguised as cartons labelled Diclofenac Potassium 50mg and illegally imported into Nigeria from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China. The products were falsely declared as spare parts to evade security checks.

The successful operation led to the recovery of 277 cartons of counterfeit Malamal Forte malaria medicines, with an estimated market value exceeding N1.2 billion.

Speaking on the development, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health by eradicating substandard and falsified medicines from circulation. She stressed that the agency is fully supported by the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health in this fight.

Prof. Adeyeye further noted that the seizure is part of NAFDAC’s ongoing nationwide crackdown on fake and dangerous pharmaceuticals, adding that the agency will continue to intensify surveillance to ensure only safe and quality medicines are accessible to Nigerians.