To consolidate on its efforts towards curtailing the menace of fake and substandard products in Nigerian market, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted and seized a 4 X 40 Feet and 1 X 20Feet containers of suspected counterfeit/fake drugs at the APM Terminal in Lagos.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Monday in Lagos, the Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, said that NAFDAC’s concerted efforts to rid the nation of all forms of substandard, fake and counterfeit regulated products as reflected in increased surveillance have led to several interception and seizures of large containers as well as arrest of suspects involved in forgery of NAFDAC documents and operating illegal production facilities that pose serious threat to public health.
According to him, the agency intercepted and made seizure of 4X40ft and 1X20ft containers filled with various unregistered and suspected fake drug/pharmaceutical products adding that, this was done with the cooperation of Nigeria Custom Service, Apapa Area Terminal Command and the APM Terminal Operators.
He said that the five (5) containers were sighted by NAFDAC inspectors during routine examination at the APM Terminal on Wednesday, 15th October 2014 with the following products: PCIU – 8060942 (40ft) – Heragra 120mg Tablets, PCIU – 8281060 (40ft) – Ziagra 120mg Tablets, PCIU – 6304442 (40ft) – Tramadol 200mg Capsules (Quick Action), among others.
While reacting to the side effect of the drugs, the DG said that: “these products were imported in a strength that can result in very serious health problem when taken by ignorant and unsuspecting patient”.
He noted that these products are known drugs of misuse and abuse, which can result in very serious health problem such as increased blood pressure (Stroke), Ulceration of the gastro-intestinal tract, tolerance and dependence.
Speaking further, he said: “may I also point out here that the implications of overdose of these drugs are stoke, liver disease, kidney disease, swelling of the face, swelling of the tongue and skin disease.
In another development, the agency also announced the arrest of one Mr. Akintunde Smith of Akanni Street, Teddy Village Lagos, where he was producing counterfeit and unwholesome Kasapreko Alomo Bitters among other popular alcoholic beverages.
Orhii said that, Akintunde has been operating without due regard to the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and that his actions are inimical to public health.
He also announced the arrest of one Mr. Kenneth Kelechi Nnandi of D.C Akason Investment LTD, 12 Oyekan Street, Apapa, Lagos for forgery of NAFDAC Payment Advice to clear 14 X 40ft containers of Paraquant for agricultural use
