The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says its operatives have seized counterfeit malaria drugs valued at N1.2 billion in Lagos.
In a statement yesterday, the agency said its team discovered 277 cartons of the fake product, branded Malamal Forte, in a warehouse at Ilasa-Oshodi in Lagos.
“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 reads.
According to the agency, the drugs were smuggled in from China, disguised as spare parts, and hidden in cartons labelled Diclofenac Potassium 50mg.
“The fake drugs, which were concealed in cartons labelled as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg, were illegally imported from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China.
“They were falsely declared as spare parts in the shipping container.”
NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the operation underscores the agency’s resolve to combat the menace of fake and substandard medicines in the country.
“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.
