Consumers are increasingly faced with a major problem: fake medicines. A recent operation by the Nigeria National Food and Drug Safety Agency (NAFDAC) resulted in the closure of 240 shops at Cemetery Road Market in Aba, Abia State. The counterfeit and falsified products seized during the operation were valued at over N700 million.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Moji Adeyeye, has expressed concern over the increasing number of counterfeiters in the country. She urged citizens to be more cautious about their purchases and what they consume, as most of these counterfeit products, including beverages and food products, have long-term and harmful consequences on the health of those who consume them.
This large-scale operation made it possible to put an end to the activities of a real criminal organization. Counterfeiters produced a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, from famous brands such as Schnapps, Hennessy, Chelsea and Coca-Cola, while reusing expired products. Production conditions were also far from optimal, with water of questionable quality.
In total, 240 stores were closed, 1,500 boxes of counterfeit products were destroyed and 10 people were arrested at the crime scene.
In this context, it is essential for consumers to exercise vigilance. It is recommended to purchase your products from reputable supermarkets and avoid offers that seem too good to be true. It is also worth checking the integrity of the packaging, including tightness and general appearance. Products that have a suspicious odor should also be avoided.
NAFDAC has carried out many similar operations throughout the country to combat this scourge. In 2023, the agency also organized meetings with specialist journalists to raise awareness of the dangerousness of skin lightening products. She also promoted vaccination against monkeypox and human papillomavirus (HPV) to combat these diseases.
In conclusion, it is essential that the authorities continue to track down and dismantle drug counterfeiting networks. Consumers should also be aware of the risks of purchasing counterfeit products and ensure they purchase their products from trusted sources. It’s about their health and safety.