NAFDAC has seized counterfeit malaria drugs worth ₦1.2 billion in Lagos, allegedly smuggled from China and disguised as spare parts.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the seizure of counterfeit malaria drugs valued at ₦1.2 billion in Lagos.
In a statement on Friday, the agency said its operatives intercepted 277 cartons of the unregistered product, Malamal Forte, at a warehouse in Ilasa-Oshodi. The drugs were reportedly smuggled from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China, disguised as spare parts, and concealed in cartons labelled Diclofenac Potassium 50mg.
“NAFDAC has intercepted 277 cartons of counterfeit and unregistered Malamal Forte malaria drugs, valued at over ₦1.2 billion, in a warehouse located in the Ilasa-Oshodi area of Lagos State,” the statement read.
NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health. “This seizure is part of NAFDAC’s sustained nationwide operation to protect public health and ensure only safe, quality medicines are available to Nigerians,” she said.
The agency confirmed investigations are ongoing to apprehend those behind the importation.