The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) took decisive action on Thursday as it shut down two medicine stores and a pharmacy in the bustling Lagos neighbourhoods’ of Idumota and Surulere for the illegal sale of unregistered and controlled pharmaceuticals.
The affected medicines outlets sealed at Idumota, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) are owned by Blue Choice Pharmaceutical Ltd, while while the pharmacy shut at Surulere is owned by VaticanBell Pharmacy.
A mini drug warehouse belonging to Global One World Healthcare Ltd was also sealed at Coker Village, Orile Iganmu, was also sealed for not presenting its poison book.
Mr Afolabi Aderemi, deputy director at NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, revealed that the operation was prompted by credible intelligence on the activities of these establishments.
Aderemi explained, “We are here today because we received a tip-off that controlled drugs are being dispensed in these shops.
“Under the provisions of the International Convention, there are 71 drugs that should not be dispensed by individuals or pharmacies, and we have concrete evidence that these sealed shops are engaged in unlawful practices.
“This is a case of organized crime, and NAFDAC is committed to dissuading the public from purchasing unregistered drugs.”
He further disclosed that the proprietors of the affected businesses have been summoned to appear at the NAFDAC office for a more in-depth inquiry.
NAN
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