NAFDAC Seals 3,000 Lagos Shops, Confiscates 12 Truckloads of Counterfeit Drugs

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down over 3,000 shops in the Idumota Open Drug Market, Lagos, during its first week of enforcement operations.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), NAFDAC revealed shocking violations, including vaccines stored in dilapidated, unventilated rooms sealed with iron sheets—conditions posing serious public health risks.

Officials also uncovered large consignments of banned and dangerous drugs, including:

• Analgin injections (a banned painkiller)
• Diverted HIV antiretroviral drugs
• Expired medicines illegally set for revalidation
• Unregistered pharmaceuticals

Additionally, 12 truckloads of illicit pharmaceuticals were confiscated. Empty packs and cartons of expired antimalarial injections were found inside a repackaging shop, with the vials already removed.

In a warehouse away from the main pharmaceutical section, officials discovered a stash of controlled substances, including:

• Ecstasy (MDMA/Molly)
• High-dose Tramadol 225
• Various brands of Codeine Cough Syrup

NAFDAC continues its crackdown to rid the market of counterfeit and dangerous drugs, ensuring public safety.