NAFDAC Uncovers Weapons Cache, Seizes 50 Trailer Loads of Fake Drugs in Onitsha Market Raid
In a dramatic enforcement operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized 50 trailer loads of counterfeit drugs and uncovered a cache of weapons, including rifles, live cartridges, and machetes, at the Niger Bridge Head drug market in Onitsha. The discovery, made during a nationwide crackdown on fake and substandard pharmaceuticals, has raised concerns about the involvement of organized crime in the counterfeit drug trade.
NAFDAC officials, stationed at the Onitsha market since February 10, 2025, recovered the weapons while conducting raids on illicit drug stores. The agency’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, expressed shock at the findings, describing the weapons as a potential assassination attempt on Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s South-East Director, who regularly oversees operations at the location.
Represented by Dr. Iluyomade, Adeyeye revealed that NAFDAC’s security team had thwarted two break-in attempts by hoodlums targeting storage facilities where seized drugs were kept. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the incidents and are currently in custody, providing valuable information to investigators.
“With the swift intervention of our security team, we recovered daggers, machetes, two guns, and rifles. Several individuals attempting to break in have also been arrested and are currently in custody, providing useful information,” Adeyeye stated.
The NAFDAC Director-General reassured the public that the operation was a national assignment aimed at safeguarding public health and not targeting any individuals or groups. She emphasized that the agency’s efforts would continue despite the challenges encountered.
Implications of the Operation
The seizure of 50 trailer loads of counterfeit and substandard drugs underscores the scale of the problem in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market. Counterfeit drugs pose a significant threat to public health, often containing harmful substances or lacking the necessary active ingredients to treat illnesses. Their proliferation has been linked to treatment failures, drug resistance, and even deaths.
The recovery of weapons during the operation highlights the dangerous nexus between the counterfeit drug trade and organized crime. The presence of rifles, live cartridges, and machetes suggests that criminal elements are willing to use violence to protect their illicit operations, posing a direct threat to law enforcement officials and public safety.
Collaboration and Next Steps
Adeyeye commended the leadership of the Onitsha drug market for their cooperation throughout the operation. She announced that some sections of the market would be reopened this week as NAFDAC transitions to the next phase of its enforcement efforts.
The seized drugs have been moved to a secure location for further analysis and eventual destruction, in line with NAFDAC’s mandate to eliminate counterfeit and substandard products from circulation. The agency has also intensified its public awareness campaigns, urging Nigerians to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and to report suspicious products.
Broader Context
The Onitsha operation is part of NAFDAC’s broader strategy to combat the menace of counterfeit drugs across Nigeria. The agency has been working closely with other law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to dismantle networks involved in the production and distribution of fake pharmaceuticals.
The success of the operation underscores the importance of sustained enforcement and collaboration between regulatory agencies, market leaders, and the public. However, it also highlights the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and stricter penalties for those involved in the counterfeit drug trade.
Looking Ahead
As NAFDAC continues its nationwide campaign, stakeholders are calling for increased investment in the agency’s capacity to detect and intercept counterfeit drugs. This includes the deployment of advanced technology, such as track-and-trace systems, to monitor the pharmaceutical supply chain and ensure the authenticity of medicines.
The recovery of weapons during the Onitsha operation serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by NAFDAC officials in the line of duty. It also underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect personnel and ensure the success of future enforcement efforts.
By addressing the root causes of the counterfeit drug trade and strengthening regulatory oversight, NAFDAC aims to create a safer and more reliable pharmaceutical market for all Nigerians.
