The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken swift action to apprehend a self-proclaimed local drug manufacturer in Ibadan, Oyo State. During a raid conducted by NAFDAC, the suspect’s eight-room herbal hub, located behind Periscope Model College in the Muslim area, was sealed. This operation was made possible through the invaluable intelligence report provided by the community members. Mrs. Florence Ajayi, the Southwest Director of NAFDAC, led the operation and emphasized the importance of putting an end to the production of harmful and illicit drugs.
The immediate response from the Muslim community in alerting NAFDAC to the illicit activities facilitated the quick arrest of the suspect. The Surveillance Unit of NAFDAC promptly sprung into action based on the information received. Mrs. Ajayi, the NAFDAC Director, commended the community’s cooperation in helping to tackle the issue. During the raid, it was discovered that the production environment was unhygienic and did not meet the necessary standards. While the Director-General of NAFDAC is currently abroad, Mrs. Ajayi took charge of the operation.
Mrs. Ajayi shed light on the underlying factors contributing to improper herbal drug processing in the country, attributing it to ignorance and illiteracy. She emphasized the importance of adhering to proper registration processes for herbal products. However, she noted that currently, no application for registration had been received by NAFDAC.
The alleged drug manufacturer, Ajao, expressed surprise at being arrested for the alleged unhealthy production of herbal products. He claimed to have operated in the area for over five years, successfully distributing his products across the southwestern region of the country, including Lagos State. According to Ajao, his products are intended to provide relief for conditions such as hypertension, fever, sex malfunctioning, and other related diseases. He cited financial pressure as the reason for venturing into manufacturing.
NAFDAC’s swift action in arresting a fake drug manufacturer in Oyo State highlights the agency’s commitment to ensuring public health and safety. The community’s cooperation played a crucial role in this operation. The arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of proper registration and adherence to regulations in the production of herbal drugs. NAFDAC will continue to monitor and take decisive action against individuals involved in the illegal production and distribution of harmful substances.
