Daud Olatunji
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered suspected counterfeit antibiotic packaging materials and unregistered cosmetic products at separate locations within the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State.
The agency disclosed this in videos shared on its official X account on Saturday, following an operation at the Tools and Hardware section of the complex.
According to NAFDAC, the operation led to the discovery of packaging materials bearing the names of Augmentin 625mg and AmpliClose capsules, alongside leaflets and other materials suspected to be intended for the packaging of counterfeit pharmaceutical products.
The agency also displayed packaging materials bearing the name of Gordon drinks, among other items recovered during the operation.
NAFDAC said preliminary findings indicated that the materials were not sourced from the original manufacturers, raising concerns that the location was being used as a storage facility for packaging materials meant for suspected counterfeit products.
Specifically, the agency noted that the packaging materials bearing the name Augmentin 625mg differed from those used by its original manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
It described the location as a suspected hideout for counterfeiters, adding that the operation was conducted following credible intelligence received by the agency.
In a separate discovery, NAFDAC said it also recovered packaging materials and products suspected to be cosmetics manufactured without appropriate labelling or regulatory registration.
Items displayed included unidentified soap, empty shampoo tubes, packaging materials bearing the inscription “Turmeric Vitamin C” and containers intended for moisturising lotion.
The agency expressed concern over the discoveries, warning that the circulation of counterfeit medicines and improperly registered cosmetic products could pose risks to public health.
It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious drug products, unregistered cosmetics and other activities associated with the production or distribution of fake regulated products in their communities.
NAFDAC reiterated the importance of public cooperation in its efforts to rid the country of counterfeit medicines and other substandard products.
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