Nafdac Uncovers Fake Drug Factory In Delta, Vows Tougher Crackdown
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a large-scale fake drug manufacturing operation in an uncompleted three-storey building located in Azagba Ogwashi, Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba on Tuesday, Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC Director for the South-East Zone, condemned the illicit operation and said the agency is considering seizing properties used for the production and relabelling of expired drugs.
“I feel very sad for our country. Only God knows how many lives have been lost due to these fake drugs, manufactured by people chasing profit at all costs,” Iluyomade stated. He added that some of the perpetrators even attempt to discredit NAFDAC’s work using funds gained from their criminal activities.
The main suspect, Ekene Igwe, now on the run, is believed to be a major trader at the Ogbo-Ogu drug market in Onitsha, Anambra State. According to Iluyomade, he and his wife, Blessing Igwe, have been involved in the fake drug trade for years. Investigations revealed they moved their operations to Asaba, where they relabelled expired injectable drugs—some dating as far back as 2017.
“This has been going on for years. But this time, NAFDAC is taking decisive steps to protect public health,” he added.
NAFDAC’s Deputy Director of Investigation and Enforcement for the South-South and South-East, Babatunji Omoyeni, said the operation was uncovered following a public tip-off. A shop at Ogbo-Ogu market linked to the illicit trade was also identified.
Among the seized items at the illegal factory were:
Expired chloroquine phosphate, petazine, gentamycin, promethazine, and ergometrine injections.
Over 1,300 printed drug packs, 3,000 unidentified injectable ampoules, two generators, and a drum of vials soaked in liquid substances.
Blessing Igwe has been arrested and arraigned in court, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend her husband.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on drug counterfeiting and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.