Officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) were violently assaulted by a group of hoodlums during an enforcement operation targeting substandard drugs in Abuja on Monday.
The incident took place at the Area 1 motor park, where the NAFDAC team was conducting a raid. The hoodlums, displaying brazen aggression, harassed the enforcement officers, which included mobile policemen. They even resorted to pelting the Agency’s vehicle with stones, resulting in the vehicle’s windscreen being shattered.
The situation escalated rapidly, compelling police officers to intervene. They fired warning shots into the air and deployed tear gas to disperse the unruly mob, allowing journalists and NAFDAC officers to seek safety.
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Umar-Ahmed Suleiman, the team leader and an Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer at NAFDAC, revealed that the raid was prompted by intelligence received regarding the rampant presence of substandard drugs in the park.
Despite the violent backlash, Suleiman emphasized the necessity of such operations, underscoring the prevalence of illicit drug trade in the area.
Despite the chaos, the enforcement team managed to seize a significant quantity of controlled substances, including Rohypnol, Dizapam, Tramadol (500mg and 225mg), Cocodamol, and various aphrodisiacs, along with codeine syrups. The confiscated drugs are estimated to be valued at over N5 million.
Suleiman affirmed the agency’s commitment to intensify efforts in combating the proliferation of substandard drugs, particularly in troublesome areas like the Area 1 motor park.
He assured that despite the setback, the enforcement unit would regroup, bolster their preparations, and proceed with necessary actions to uphold public health and safety.
