Nearly half a million Nigerians could have been exposed to dangerous counterfeit malaria drugs if not for a major interception by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The agency on Thursday announced it had seized 277 cartons of fake antimalarial medicines valued at ₦1.2 billion. The shipment, disguised as spare parts, was traced from Apapa Port to a warehouse in Ilasa, Lagos, where officials uncovered the concealed pharmaceuticals hidden among bicycles, tyres, and other goods.
The counterfeit product, branded Malama Forte and falsely labeled as Diclofenac Potassium, contained what should have been Arthemeter/Lumefantrine 80/480mg doses. Each carton held 18 packs, totaling close to 500,000 doses.
NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, told newsmen the container was intercepted through an intelligence-led operation coordinated by senior officers of the Pharmaceutical Division. He said laboratory analysis is ongoing to confirm the true composition of the drugs.
“This consignment alone could have endangered countless lives. We are determined to fight this battle to the end,” Iluyomade said, adding that fake malaria drugs continue to cause avoidable deaths across the country.
One suspect, Paul Uche, was arrested, while investigators traced the principal importer to China.
Iluyomade stressed that the seizure forms part of the government’s broader action plan to curb counterfeit medicines, assuring Nigerians that those behind the consignment will face justice.
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