Massive Seizure Sparks National Concern Over Public Health and Food Safety
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a staggering ₦20.5 billion worth of counterfeit drugs and adulterated tomato paste during a recent operation in Rivers State.
Details of the Operation
According to NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the illegal products were discovered in a warehouse located in Port Harcourt. The seizure followed an intelligence-led investigation carried out by the agency’s enforcement team.
Among the confiscated items were unregistered pharmaceutical products and large quantities of tomato paste, falsely branded and potentially dangerous for human consumption.
Public Health at Risk
NAFDAC warned that the circulation of fake drugs poses a serious risk to public health, contributing to treatment failure, drug resistance, and preventable deaths. Similarly, the adulterated tomato paste could lead to food poisoning and other digestive complications.
“This is a threat to national security. We are not going to relent until we root out every illegal operator in the supply chain,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.
Legal Action Underway
The owners of the facility are currently under investigation, and NAFDAC has vowed to prosecute everyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. The agency also called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products.
Strengthening Consumer Protection
This operation is part of NAFDAC’s ongoing crackdown on substandard and counterfeit products in Nigeria. Officials confirmed that more raids are expected across the country as the agency ramps up efforts to safeguard public health.
