By NAN
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has closed down 20 pharmacies and patent medicine shops for stocking and selling fake and unregistered drugs in Benue.
The head of the agency in the state, Mr Francis Owu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the pharmacies and shops were in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo.
“In the last two weeks we have closed down 20 pharmacies and patent medicine shops in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo for stocking, selling and distributing fake, unregistered and counterfeit drugs.
“The agency also discovered and seized fake milk in some parts of the state,’’ Owu said. He explained that the distributors and owners of the pharmacies were in police custody, pending a comprehensive investigation of their activities and mode of operation.
“They have been arrested and are currently in police custody pending investigation into the matter. We are yet to know the producers,” he said.
He also said that banned products such as analgin injection and genta 280 mg had resurfaced in the state.
“We also discovered and recovered some quantity of tramadol capsules in some unauthorised premises across the state,’’ he added.
Owu said the agency was determined to ensure zero tolerance for fake and counterfeit products in the state, adding that those found wanting would be sanctioned.
“We have beamed our searchlight on such premises and outlets to ensure appropriate sanctions are imposed in accordance with the mandate of the agency,’’ he said.
He appealed to the public to always report suspicious activities to the agency for appropriate action.
Owu said the goods seized were valued at N300,000.
