NAFDAC Smashes N1.2 Billion Fake Malaria Drug Syndicate in Lagos

In a major breakthrough against counterfeit medicines, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized fake malaria drugs worth more than N1.2 billion in Lagos State.

The operation, carried out in the Ilasa-Oshodi axis, uncovered 277 cartons of the counterfeit product, Malamal Forte, concealed inside cartons labeled as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg. Investigations revealed that the fake drugs were smuggled into Nigeria from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China and deceptively declared as “spare parts” at the shipping point.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the raid as a critical step in safeguarding public health. She emphasized that with the full backing of the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health, the agency remains relentless in its mission to rid Nigeria of counterfeit and substandard medicines.

“This seizure sends a clear message to criminal networks that Nigeria will not tolerate the circulation of dangerous, fake drugs that threaten the lives of our citizens,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.

The crackdown is part of NAFDAC’s sustained nationwide operation aimed at protecting Nigerians and ensuring only safe, high-quality medicines find their way into the market.