NAFDAC intercepts cartons of fake Peak milk, injections, cough syrup, others

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted a transport vehicle laden with counterfeit Peak Milk products from reaching targeted market in Lagos.

The vehicle, which was suspected to have taken off from the South East, was bound to Lagos State carrying several cartons of the near-perfect Peak Milk products of the 450g refill size when the agency’s surveillance team discovered and seized it.

The NAFDAC Director General, Mrs Yetunde Oni, represented by the Director of Enforcement, Barrister Kingsley Ejiofor, told newsmen on Tuesday that one Mr Onyekachi Ikegwuonu has been arrested in connection to the crime.

She also said that the agency had uncovered a factory where fake water for injection were being produced in Ojoto Village, Nnewi, Anambra State.

The fake injection labelled “Sterilised water for injection BP” with the manufacturing date 2015 and expiry date 2020, was said to have been produced by Hossanna Laboratories Limited, Surrey, United States. The suspect, one Mr Daniel Ezekwelu, has been arrested for interrogation.

The agency said it has equally interrupted the illegal production, distribution and sales of fake alcoholic beverages in Badagry during the raid of the premises.

One Mrs. Nkiru Okoro of Ezedams Enterprises Nigeria has been arrested for counterfeiting alcoholic wines such as Mc Dowell’s, St Remy, Eagle Schnapps, Elders Aromatic Schnapps, Night Train & Express, 501 Original, Bacchus, Seaman’s, Elliot Spirit, Chelsea among others.

Items recovered from the fake factory include several drums of Ethyl Alcohol, Rayner’s Flavouring agents, unidentified chemicals in several jerry-cans, as well as packaging materials such as packs, labels, hologram wraps, bottles, caps and covers.

In similar development, one Mr. Ejike Okereke has been arrested for the illegal production of fake Cordrux cough syrup in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The suspect, who spoke on interrogation, said he missed ‘Exploid’ syrup, another product, with ethanol to form the counterfeit Codrux cough syrup originally manufactured by Alben Pharmaceutical Company located in Onitsha.

Disclosing that the syndicates will be arraigned in court after thorough investigations have been carried out, the acting Director General enjoined the public to be mindful of the products they consume.

Oni also called on “health practitioners, community leaders, religious leaders and all stakeholders to continue to educate their wards and family members to desist from patronising quacks and hawkers of medicines” as they are usually the media of circulating fake products.