The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has closed two drug stores in Idumota and one pharmacy in Surulere, Lagos, for selling unregistered and uncontrolled medications.
The affected Idumota establishments belonged to Blue Choice Pharmaceutical Ltd., while VaticanBell Pharmacy in Surulere faced closure.
Furthermore, Global Oneword Healthcare Ltd.’s little drug warehouse in Coker Village, Orile Iganmu, suffered a similar demise as a result of its inability to provide the necessary poison book.
The investigation and enforcement directorate of NAFDAC’s deputy director, Mr. Afolabi Aderemi, disclosed that intelligence inputs indicating illegal drug sales in these establishments were the source of the operation.
He said, “We received a tip that these shops are selling control drugs, which is why we are here today.
“We have evidence that these closed-down shops are involved in illegal activity, and 71 drugs are prohibited from being sold by individuals or pharmacies under the terms of an international convention.
“We are dealing with organized crime here, and NAFDAC is making every effort to deter individuals from purchasing illegal drugs.”
Aderemi underlined the seriousness of the situation by listing 71 medications that are illegal for sale to individuals or pharmacies worldwide as being supplied in these facilities. NAFDAC declared its intention to prevent the trade of unlicensed medications, labelling this as organized criminality.
The proprietors of the sealed enterprises were called to the NAFDAC headquarters for additional inquiries, demonstrating the regulatory body’s commitment to halting the distribution of illicit medications.
Clinical Pharmacist, Mr. Devang Ugwu, and Deputy Director of NAFDAC’s Enforcement Directorate, Mr. Devang Ugwu, clarified that only the Federal Ministry of Health is authorized to dispense controlled medications, which are classified as narcotic products with certain schedules.
Pharmacy access to these products is ensured by the permitted issuance, which keeps track of transactions.
The Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association, Island Zone’s first vice-chairman, Mr. Innocent Ezennia, commented on the partnership and reaffirmed the association’s dedication to collaborating with NAFDAC.
He acknowledged the value of enforcement actions and raids in cleaning up business areas and promised to continue working with NAFDAC to ensure smooth operations throughout its regulatory activities.
