The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that its recent fight against fake drugs got boosted by support from the National Security Adviser, NSA Nuhu Ribadu.

NAFDAC made this known when it uncovered prohibited drugs hidden inside plumbing materials shops at the Onitsha Bridgehead Drug Market.

The discovery was made after former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticized NAFDAC for shutting down markets that were not into the sale of drugs in Anambra.

According to NAFDAC, its officials seized two trailer loads of unregistered narcotics, banned tramadol, and counterfeit drugs concealed within the shops.

The agency said, "Traders in the market have accused NAFDAC of targeting non-drug sections during the operation. However, intelligence led the agency to search these areas, revealing large quantities of illicit pharmaceuticals.

"Heightened security measures were necessary due to a past incident three years ago when NAFDAC officials and police officers were attacked and narrowly escaped death while conducting a similar raid.

"Without the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the progress made in this operation would not have been possible."

NAFDAC said the ongoing exercise has so far led to the discovery of illicit drugs worth billions of naira.

The agency said the market, comprising multiple buildings and shops, operates as a hub for repackaging and revalidating expired medicines under false claims, before selling to unsuspecting consumers.

Since the enforcement operation began over a week ago, NAFDAC has removed at least 10 fully loaded 40-foot trucks of fake, substandard, and adulterated drugs from the market, some falsely claiming NAFDAC approval.

ASA