Onitsha: NAFDAC Seizes 50 Trailer Loads Of Fake Drugs, Recovers Rifles

BY CHIKA OKEKE

Determined to phase-out substandard products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized 50 trailer loads of fake drugs and recovered two rifles, live cartridges, machetes, and other weapons at the Niger Bridge Head drug market in Onitsha, Anambra State. 

This is happening as the agency intensified its crackdown on fake and substandard drugs across the country.

News Rider reports that NAFDAC had since February 10, 2025, shutdown Onitsha Bridge Head market as part of a nationwide campaign to protect public health by eliminating counterfeit drugs from circulation.

Addressing newsmen at the market on Wednesday, Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye was shocked over the weapons discovered during the raid. 

She described the weapons as a possible assassination attempt on the agency’s South-East Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who regularly conducts debriefings at the location.

The DG who was represented by Iluyomade, informed that NAFDAC’s security team had also foiled two break-in attempts by hoodlums targeting the stores where seized drugs were kept. 

She noted that two suspects were arrested in connection with the incidents.

Adeyeye reassured the public that the operation would not be halted, stressing that it was a national assignment aimed at safeguarding public health, and not targeting any individuals or groups.

She said: “With the swift intervention of our security team, we recovered daggers, machetes, two guns, and rifles. Several individuals attempting to break in have also been arrested and are currently in custody, providing useful information."

The DG commended the market leadership for their cooperation throughout the operation. 

She disclosed that some sections of the market would be reopened this week, as the agency transitions to the next phase of its enforcement efforts.

Adeyeye pointed out that the 50 trailer loads of counterfeit and substandard drugs seized during the operation have been moved to a secure location for further action.