Nigerian Taskforce Destroys Stock of Counterfeit Drugs

Earlier this month in Nigeria, the Lagos State Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods raided a local establishment and destroyed counterfeit drugs values at more than N50 million ($340,000 USD) and arrested seven people.

Also confiscated was foods and alcohol. The owner,Mr. Ige Abel, was arrested at Ayobo while producing the local gin in an unhygienic environment. Six other individuals were also arrested.

Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris said the raid was necessitated by the ongoing and prosperous counterfeit drug business which places the public's health at risk. Sample drugs were tested after the death of at least 10 people following the consumption of local a concoction known as Ogogoro.

The Task Force has been conducting a series of raids on illegal pharmacies in the past several months. They have arrested at least 524 illegal operators and sealed at least 3031 illegal premises within the last 12 months due to the high prevalence of illegal operators in many parts of Lagos.