Fake Products: NAFDAC Shuts Aba Market, Confiscates Cosmetics in Lagos

NAFDAC shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market, Aba, Abia State, during a two-day operation on December 16 and 17, 2024. The team uncovered large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food items such as noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt.

The destroyed items were valued at over ₦5 billion.

Describing the market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products, the Director of South-East Zone, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities despite a previous undertaking signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has reaffirmed the Agency’s zero tolerance for such practices and emphasised its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health while working toward a permanent solution to the problem of counterfeit products in the market.

Confiscates Various Cosmetics Products in Lagos

Similarly, NAFDAC has shut down an illegal production facility in Ipaye, Iba, Lagos, for manufacturing unregistered cosmetic products.

Following extensive surveillance, NAFDAC officials raided the premises, apprehended staff members, and confiscated various products, including body washes, cleansing soaps, lightening creams, children’s skincare items, and packaging materials in Lagos.

The facility was sealed to halt further production, and one individual is currently in custody for further investigation.

NAFDAC reiterates its commitment to protecting public health by clamping down on unregulated and unsafe products in the markets.

Unveils Sales and Marketing of Counterfeit Drugs

In another development, NAFDAC announced the existence of sales and distribution of counterfeit drugs. The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has notified the public about the sales and distribution of confirmed counterfeit Paludex tablets and suspensions in Nigeria.

The Paludex (Artemether/Lumefantrine) tablets (80mg/480mg) are labeled manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, No. 33A/33B Standard Industrial Layout Emene- Enugu State, Nigeria and marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd Emene Industrial Layout Enugu State, Nigeria.

The results of laboratory analysis on both products by a WHO-prequalified laboratory in Germany indicated zero percent (0%) API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) in the products. NAFDAC sampled the same products, and the analysis reports confirmed zero percent (0%) of API content.

Also found in circulation is Paludex (Artemether/Lumefantrine) dry powder for oral suspension (180mg/1080mg) for pediatric use labeled manufactured by 1. Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, No. 33A/33B Standard Industrial Layout Emene- Enugu State, Nigeria and 2.Ecomed Pharma Ltd, Sango-Ota, Ogun State. All are marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd Emene Industrial Layout Enugu State, Nigeria.

 Risk

The illegal marketing of medicines or counterfeit medicines poses a significant risk to people’s health; by not complying with the regulatory provisions, users cannot guarantee the product’s safety, quality, and efficacy. Also, poor-quality pediatric formulations or medicines can cause treatment failure when the API content is below the prescribed dose.

Product Details

The details of the affected product are as follows.

1. Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, No. 33A/33B Standard Industrial Layout Emene- Enugu State, Nigeria and

2. Ecomed Pharma Ltd, Sango-Ota, Ogun State. All are marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd Emene Industrial Layout Enugu State, Nigeria.

NAFDAC has warned that the products do not exist in their registered product database and that all NAFDAC registration numbers stated on the products are false.

All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators must monitor and mop up falsified products within their zones and states. NAFDAC implores distributors, healthcare providers, and patients to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid product distribution, administration, and use. All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. Users should carefully check the products’ authenticity and physical condition.