The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested a clearing agent for attempting to clear 40 packages of fake Tramadol capsules.
Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic drug used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain.
Director General of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, who disclosed this to journalists in Lagos also said that some importers of counterfeit medicines and other regulated products have been arrested by the agency.
Those arrested include one Ndubuisi of Oke-Arin Market, Lagos, for illegal importation of packaging materials; one Anthony in Sabon Gari, Kano for importing fake drugs and one Okeke for importing large consignment of packaging materials for Vaseline products. He, however, did not disclose the name of the clearing agent.
Orhii said: “A clearing agent was arrested for attempting to clear 40 packages of fake Tramadol capsules. Chidinnma from Onitsha and one Chioma (surname unknown) were arrested for importing fake Postinor 2 tablets. Aaron was arrested for importing illegal packaging materials for carrot white miracle serum.
“One Chimezie was arrested for importing two large packages of aluminium caps for wine at the Nigeria Handling Company (NAHCO). Also arrested was Mr Adewale Alaka for illegal importation of packaging materials for bioclaire lightening body cream at NAHCO; one Oke was arrested for importing one large consignment of packaging material for Royal Stallion rice.”
He said Clifford imported various unregistered pharmaceutical products which were intercepted at NAHCO.
Orhii said a firm in Okota, Lagos imported fake caustic soda while another importer yet-to-be identified had his consignment from China intercepted at NAHCO.
Orhii said the counterfeit medicines and other such regulated products have serious health implications which can lead to death, serious health hazards and security risk to the environment.
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