Worrisome Discovery: Massive haul of expired drugs uncovered in Aba

February 17, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

A crackdown on illicit pharmaceutical activities has again occur in South East Nigeria as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized a staggering 140 tonnes of expired drugs from warehouses in Aba, Abia State.

This massive haul is part of an ongoing investigation into the storage and distribution of expired and unregistered drugs in the region

According to reports, NAFDAC operatives raided two warehouses located at No. 269, Sam Mbakwe Road, following intelligence tips. Upon inspection, authorities discovered that some of the expired drugs had been relabeled, while several cartons were removed by suspects before security reinforcements arrived.

A separate warehouse at Umumeje, Umuocheala, in Osisioma Local Government Area was also searched, yielding the massive seizure of 140 tonnes of expired drugs. Notably, this figure does not include expired products confiscated from drug shops at Ariaria International Market.

As part of its ongoing investigation, NAFDAC has collected 178 drug samples from the operation for laboratory analysis. Authorities have warned that repackaging and distributing expired drugs pose serious health risks, and efforts are underway to track down those responsible for the illegal operation.

The NAFDAC deputy director in charge of Investigation and Enforcement, Omoyeni Babatunji, revealed that the seized drugs have been evacuated to the agency’s office in Anambra State.