NAFDAC seizes illicit drugs worth millions in Abia market

Operatives of Abia State Command, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC) on Tuesday seized illicit drugs worth millions of naira, while raiding the popular Eziukwu Market, otherwise known as Cemetery Market.

It was gathered that the operation which lasted for about three hours was accomplished with the assistance of the Nigerian army officers and policemen.

Market sources said the NAFDAC officials raided several shops suspected to be used for the production of illicit and relabeling of expired drinks.

It was also learnt that the area raided is notorious for the production and relabeling of expired products, with an automated machine for corking.

Some traders regretted the criminal actions, saying it has given genuine drinks and beverage sellers a bad name. They called for more powers to be given to NAFDAC and SON to rid the market, especially in Aba, of fake and adulterated products.

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One trader said,  “I can’t say how much the seized products are worth, but I can say it was huge. At the end of the raid, they left here with about three buses loaded with products, and we learnt that they couldn’t go with the entire items because they were enormous and may not enter the buses that they came with.”

A police source confirmed the raid but said the presence of police and Army while the raid lasted was to ensure that NAFDAC officials did their jobs without molestation from the traders.

He added that the seized products were handed over to NAFDAC officials for continuous actions.

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