In an official statement released on Wednesday via Facebook, the agency disclosed that the aforementioned factory, strategically located within Amina Plaza, was actively engaged in the production of hazardous and unregistered herbal concoctions, posing a significant threat to public health and safety.
“NAFDAC has dismantled an illegal herbal medicine factory in Mararaba, near the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, a team led by Tamanuwa Andrew, Deputy Director of Investigation & Enforcement Directorate, discovered the production of hazardous, unregistered herbal mixtures capable of causing severe health issues, including liver cirrhosis and kidney failure. The facility, located at Amina Plaza, was sealed, and suspects were arrested,” the agency reported.
NAFDAC reported that the owner of a factory claimed his products, which were sourced from Ogun State, were both effective and safe, despite having been in operation for six months.
However, he acknowledged purchasing items with counterfeit NAFDAC registration numbers from Onitsha and denied any involvement in their production. The agency indicated that he would face prosecution following their investigations.
Furthermore, NAFDAC announced the seizure of counterfeit and substandard drugs valued at over N20 million in Wuse market, located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This seizure included tramadol, aphrodisiacs, and various synthetic medications, underscoring the agency's commitment to eradicating the distribution of harmful products.
In a related matter, NAFDAC also reported a crackdown on counterfeit wines in Nasarawa earlier this week, with the products discovered in New Nyanya, Maaraba, and Masaka.
It said: “NAFDAC has conducted a major raid on wine shops in Mararaba Market and the New Nyanya and Masaka areas of Nasarawa State.
“The operation targeted counterfeit and adulterated wines and spirits, resulting in the seizure of products valued at over ₦41.2 million.
“NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement team is actively investigating the importers or manufacturers behind these counterfeit drinks.”