Nigerian Pharmacies Selling Fake Antibiotics Shut Down

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down numerous pharmacies selling fake drugs in Benue state.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down numerous pharmacies selling fake drugs in Benue state.

Agents are continuing to use a portable optical analyzer that uses Raman spectroscopy to identify fake medicine even through plastic wrapping, said The Director of The NAFDAC Ports Inspections Directorate, Mr Segiru Momodu, in the Nigerian Tribune.

Counterfeit antibiotics, anti-malarials, and anti-fungals were found. Notable among the counterfeits was fake Cipro, a counterfeit of strong antibiotic used to treat anthrax, e-coli, and other bacteria. Counterfeit antibiotics that contain small, non-therapeutic amounts of active ingredients are active in the development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.

Also found among the pharmacy stores was oral rehydration salt, donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), intended for free use at public clinics, not for sale at private pharmacies.

Momodu expressed dismay at this finding and reitereated NAFDAC’s commitment to fighting the distribution of fake and stolen medication in Nigeria.