NAFDAC Uncovers Fake Drug Factory in Delta: Expired Injectables Relabelled in Uncompleted Building

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 South Local Government Area of Delta State.

At a press briefing held in Asaba on Tuesday, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC Director for the South-East Zone, disclosed the disturbing details of the illicit operation. He hinted that the agency may begin seizing properties used for the production and relabelling of expired drugs as part of a new crackdown strategy.

“I feel very sad for our country, and the kind of things that are playing out,” Iluyomade said. “Only God knows how many people have died from consumption of the illicit drugs produced by these merchants who are looking for money at all cost.

“They are perpetrating these heinous crimes using all manners of avenue including inciting the public against what NAFDAC is doing. They are even using their ill-gotten money after killing a lot of people. Nigerians need to be very vigilant.”

According to Iluyomade, the prime suspect, one Ekene Igwe—now on the run—is reportedly a major trader at the infamous Ogbo-Ogu drug market located at the Bridge Head in Onitsha, Anambra State. He said the suspect and his wife, Blessing Igwe, have been operating the illegal business together.

“What these drug merchants have done since they knew that Ogbo-Ogu market is no longer safe for their illicit drug business, they have moved out to neighbouring places like Asaba in uncompleted buildings, relabelling injectable that expired far back seven years ago.

“This issue of illicit drug business has been on for several years, and there has not been any solution. This time, NAFDAC is coming forward with solution to make sure that Nigerians are safe, and we are able to safeguard the health of the public,” Iluyomade stated.

Mr. Babatunji Omoyeni, Deputy Director of NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement, Federal Taskforce (South-South and South-East), gave further insight during the briefing. He revealed that the agency traced the operation back to a drug outlet at Ogbo-Ogu, where the counterfeit products were being sold to unsuspecting consumers.

According to Omoyeni, “They are rebranding expired drugs including large quantity of chloroquine phosphate 322 mg/5ml, petazine injection 50mg/2ml, gentamycin injection 280mg/2ml and many other contraband injectable with new labelling.”

He said the discovery followed a credible tip-off from concerned members of the public, whose vigilance led to the agency’s successful sting operation.

During the raid, NAFDAC operatives confiscated a large quantity of adulterated drugs and production materials. The items recovered include:

• Eight packs of expired chloroquine phosphate (expired August 2018)
• 35 ampoules of engometrin (expired July 2020)
• 30 ampoules of petazine
• 70 ampoules of gentamycin
• 200 packs of unexpired chloroquine phosphate
• 50 ampoules of promethazine
• 3000 ampoules of unidentified injectables wrapped in paper
• 1300 printed packaging materials for injectables
• Two generator sets
• One large drum containing nails soaked in unknown liquid substance

NAFDAC also displayed the seized items before journalists and took them on a tour of the building where the illegal operation was taking place.

Omoyeni confirmed that while the prime suspect is still at large, his wife has been arrested and arraigned in court for her role in the criminal activity. Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend her husband.

The latest crackdown by NAFDAC sends a strong message to drug counterfeiters across the country. It also underscores the agency’s renewed commitment to protecting public health under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Authorities are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.