- By Kamil Opeyemi
Three men have on Friday been arraigned by the National Agency for Foods Drugs Administration and Control for alleged manufacturing of fake drugs in Kano.
According to the agency in speech delivered by its Director General, Prof Mojisoal Adeyeye, the three suspects were arraigned in Kano before the Federal High Court, Kano.
The agency listed the suspects as Mr. Amao Gideon, Alumona Godwin Okwiludili, Hillary Onah Paul Chigozie and Giddyson Healthcare Limited.
They were arraigned on a 5-count charge of manufacturing, sale, distribution of substandard and falsified medicines.
These syndicates are involved in the manufacturing, distribution and sale of several falsified medicine stated below:
- Asian Ampicillin 125mg + Cloxacillin 125mg/5ml powder for oral suspension for children – Zero active ingredients.
- Asian Ampicillin 125 mg/5ml powder for suspension for children – Zero active ingredient
- Erythromycin 125 mg/5ml powder for suspension for children – Zero active ingredient
- Artil-Go (Artemether 20 mg + Lumefantrine 120 mg/5ml) suspension for children – Zero active ingredient
“For clarity, from the NAFDAC Kaduna Laboratory Services testing, there is no trace of medicine in the formulations. This puts the patient in danger of treatment failure and possible death.
“In addition, the products were not registered by NAFDAC, the numbers on the products are fake, so is the manufacturer’s address on the label. The illegal factory, located in Tafa town and Tafa local Government, Niger State has been sealed. Their illicit trade was uncovered following information and discrete investigation that led to their arrest.”
NAFDAC said it maintains zero tolerance position on substandard and falsified medicine adding “We crave the partnership of all well meaning Nigerians and lovers of humanity in this fight – If you see something, please say something. Together, we can rid our society of the menace of substandard and falsified medicine.”