NAFDAC Shuts Down Medicine Stores, Pharmacy in Lagos Over Sale of Banned Substances

In a targeted operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) took decisive action on Thursday by closing down two medicine stores and a pharmacy located in the bustling neighborhoods of Idumota and Surulere in Lagos. The closure was prompted by the discovery that these establishments were unlawfully vending unregistered and controlled pharmaceuticals.

Mr. Afolabi Aderemi, Deputy Director at NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, revealed that the operation was initiated based on intelligence inputs received about the illicit activities taking place in these stores.

Aderemi emphasized, “We are here today because we got a tip-off that controlled drugs are sold in these shops. By the virtue of the International Convention, there are 71 drugs that ought not to be sold by individuals or pharmacies, and we have evidence that these shops sealed up are into illegal business.”

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, he remarked, “We are dealing with organized crime here, and NAFDAC is doing everything possible to discourage people from buying unregistered drugs.”

Furthermore, Aderemi disclosed that the proprietors of the closed establishments have been summoned to the NAFDAC office for a thorough inquiry into their alleged involvement in the illegal trade. This move underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to upholding public health standards and eradicating the circulation of harmful substances in the pharmaceutical market.