NAFDAC intercepts N20.5 billion Fake Pharmaceuticals, Toxic Tomato at Onne Port
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted 16 containers filled with substandard and counterfeit pharmaceutical products, as well as hazardous tomato paste, at the Onne Port in Port Harcourt.
The seized shipment, valued at an estimated N20.5 billion, includes 11 containers of unregistered and prohibited drugs and four containers of toxic tomato paste, all unlawfully imported into Nigeria.
This operation was facilitated through a collaborative effort between NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service, which formally handed over the intercepted goods to Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency’s director-general, over the weekend.
Among the counterfeit pharmaceuticals were 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, 12.6 million tablets of tramadol, and 9.3 million falsified branded diclofenac tablets, all potent, prescription-only medications with a high potential for misuse and severe health repercussions. Also seized were 280 packs of Hyergra tablets, a counterfeit version of sildenafil citrate used for managing erectile dysfunction.
The tomato paste, described by NAFDAC as hazardous and unregistered, was found to contain dangerous adulterants posing serious risks such as acute food poisoning, gastrointestinal illness, and long-term organ damage.
At the handover event, Adeyeye lauded the synergy between NAFDAC and the Customs Service, noting that such institutional collaboration is crucial to shielding Nigerians from harmful products.
“We are sending a clear message to these unscrupulous merchants that under our watch, fake and substandard food and drug products will not be allowed to reach our markets. Their attempts, threats, and even intimidation of our staff will continue to fail,” she stated.
She urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and support the agency’s efforts by reporting suspected cases of counterfeit product importation, manufacture, or sale through NAFDAC’s nationwide offices and official social media platforms.
Highlighting the health dangers associated with these products, Adeyeye warned that consuming expired or falsified drugs and foods could lead to cancer risks, chronic diseases, allergic reactions, cognitive disruption, and even death, especially when toxic substances or heavy metals are involved.
The director-general reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to innovative strategies and stronger enforcement to combat the menace of counterfeit products in Nigeria’s markets. She emphasized that safeguarding the nation’s health is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the agency’s reach alone.
“The threat is real, but our resolve is stronger. God and the people of Nigeria are on our side,” Adeyeye declared.
The interception comes at a time of escalating concern over the proliferation of counterfeit medicines and adulterated food products across Nigeria. Public health experts have repeatedly warned about the devastating consequences of unchecked distribution of such items, particularly among vulnerable populations.
NAFDAC asserts it will continue to fortify port surveillance, enhance stakeholder engagement, and expand its crackdown on syndicates involved in the illicit trade.
