The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a disturbing operation in Azagba-Ogwashi, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
A couple was allegedly engaged in repackaging and relabelling expired injectable drugs inside an uncompleted residential building.
During the raid, NAFDAC officials discovered various expired injectables, including gentamicin 280mg—reportedly banned over ten years ago—chloroquine phosphate 332mg/5mg, ergometrine injections, and other unidentified drugs wrapped in materials.
Mr. Babatunji Omoyeni, who heads NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Federal Task Force for the South-South and South-East zones, disclosed that some of the expired medications dated back to 2018.
He confirmed that the female suspect had been arrested and is currently being held.
While speaking to reporters in Asaba, Omoyeni explained that the operation followed a tip-off.
He described the location as a six-flat structure that appeared normal from the outside, with children playing around and the woman seen braiding her friend’s hair. However, a search of the premises led to the discovery of concealed injectables.
“Inside the building, we found several expired products hidden in wrappers. Some young men, who seemed to have worked overnight, fled the scene by scaling the fence as soon as we arrived,” he said.
One of the significant discoveries was a 100-litre drum filled with chemicals allegedly used to erase expiration dates from the drug vials. After wiping off the old dates, the suspects reportedly reprinted new ones, repackaged the injectables in cartons, and sent them for distribution—particularly to the popular Ogbogwu Market in Onitsha.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, condemned the act, calling it a severe public health threat.
He likened the crime to terrorism, noting that altering drug labels and distributing expired medications can have deadly consequences.
He emphasized the dangers of such counterfeit medical products, warning that patients could suffer from failed treatments or worsening health conditions due to the use of mislabeled and ineffective drugs.
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