NAFDAC Uncovers Weapons in Ongoing Campaign Against Counterfeit Drugs in Anambra

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced on Wednesday that its security team recovered two rifles, live cartridges, a machete, and other weapons hidden by unknown individuals in the drug market at Bridge Head, Onitsha, Anambra State. This discovery comes amid a nationwide crackdown on fake and counterfeit drugs.

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Since February 10, 2025, NAFDAC has been actively targeting the drug sections of the Onitsha Bridge Head market as part of an ongoing campaign to strengthen public health by eliminating fake and counterfeit drugs being peddled by cartels.

Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, expressed her astonishment at the discovery, suggesting it may have been an assassination attempt on the agency’s South-East Zone Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade. Dr. Iluyomade routinely conducts debriefings at that specific location.

Represented by Iluyomade, Adeyeye noted that their security personnel had also thwarted two attempts by hoodlums to access the stores where seized drugs are kept in Onitsha. Additionally, two suspects were arrested in connection with these incidents.

She reassured the public that the operation would continue unabated, emphasizing that it targets criminal enterprises rather than individuals or groups. “With the prompt interventions of our security team, we have recovered daggers, machetes, two guns, and rifles. During the night operations, we have apprehended individuals attempting to break in and engage in illegal activities in this market. They are currently in custody and providing useful information,” she stated.

Adeyeye commended the leadership of the market for their cooperation throughout the operations. She announced that certain sections of the market would be reopened this week as the next phase of the campaign begins.

In total, not less than 50 trailer loads of counterfeit and substandard drugs have been identified in the market and relocated to a secure location for further action.