KADUNA (Sundiata Post) – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has arrested three drug hawkers and seized substandard drugs valued at N250,000 in Kaduna.
The agency’s Coordinator in the state, Mr Nasiru Mato, made this disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday.
He said that the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to stamp out drug hawking in the state, adding that drug hawking exposes medicines to severe temperature, humidity and unfriendly climate conditions.
Mato also said that the agency had intensified surveillance and hunting of “self-acclaimed” doctors who engage in illegal practice.
He said “it is the actions of such persons that led to the raid at Sabon Tasha and seizure of unregistered aphrodisiacs and analgesics.
“All drugs and medical items must be kept at the recommended temperature and relative humidity to ensure their safety, quality
and efficacy.”
He advised consumers to always be wary of the source of medicines, check for NAFDAC Registration Number, manufacturing date, expiry date, batch number, name and full location address of manufacturer.
He also called on consumers to purchase medicines from registered drug outlets, instead of patronizing touts as the ban on hawking and advertisement of drugs is still in force.