Florence Sadiku
THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it screened and sealed over 3,000 shops within the Idumota Open Drug Market in Lagos in the first week of enforcement.
According to the agency, among the discoveries were vaccines stored in dilapidated, unventilated rooms sealed with iron sheets in highly unsanitary conditions.
Additionally, large consignments of banned products, including Analgin injections, diverted-free HIV antiretroviral drugs, expired medicines set for revalidation, and unregistered pharmaceuticals, were found.
Empty packs and cartons of expired unregistered antimalarial injections were discovered inside a packing shop. The vials were removed.
Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly), various brands of Codeine Cough Syrup and Tramadol 225, were discovered in a warehouse within the market, away from the pharmaceutical section where other products are sold.
The agency says it has evacuated illicit pharmaceuticals equivalent to 12 truckloads.
Eighteen-Eleven Media