NAFDAC Cracks Down on Drug Hawkers, Seizes Over ₦110m Worth of Illicit Medicines

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a sweeping nationwide operation targeting hawkers and peddlers of fake, expired, and unregistered pharmaceutical products.

The enforcement campaign, which spanned major cities including Lagos, Kaduna, Abuja, and Asaba, led to the arrest of over 15 suspects and the confiscation of illicit drugs valued at more than ₦110,938,800.

Among the seized products were potent and dangerous substances such as tramadol, morphine, sex enhancement drugs, aphrodisiacs, oxytocin, antibiotics, and painkillers, many of which were being sold in open markets and unauthorised locations.

Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, condemned the illegal trade and warned that the sale of medicines outside approved pharmaceutical outlets poses serious health risks. She emphasised that the hawking of drugs remains strictly banned and violators will face severe penalties under the law.

“Drug hawking not only endangers public health but also undermines the integrity of our healthcare system. We are committed to rooting out this menace and protecting Nigerians from the dangers of fake and unwholesome medicines,” Prof. Adeyeye said.

She further called on Nigerians to desist from buying drugs from street vendors and unlicensed sources, assuring the public that NAFDAC will continue to intensify its surveillance and enforcement activities across the country.

All arrested suspects are currently in custody and under investigation, with further legal action expected in the coming days.