The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal drug and injectables manufacturing facility operating out of a three-storey uncompleted building in Azagba Ogwashi, near Issele-Azagba in Delta State.
The factory, allegedly owned by a fugitive suspect, Ekene Igwe, was discovered during a raid led by NAFDAC’s enforcement team. The building, which doubled as a residence, housed a fully operational illicit drug production setup on its ground floor.
Recovered items included a large drum filled with soaked vials, adulterated drugs, and expired injectables being rebranded. Seized substances included chloroquine phosphate 322mg/5ml, petazine injection 50mg/2ml, gentamycin injection 280mg/2ml, and other unauthorized pharmaceutical products.
Blessing Igwe, the wife of the wanted suspect, was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody pending arraignment. Several other occupants of the building were also profiled.
According to Babatunji Omoyeni, Deputy Director of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement unit for the South-South and South-East, the breakthrough was made possible following a tip-off from concerned citizens. Investigators also traced the distribution chain of the illicit drugs to Ogbo-Ogu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, where the fake drugs were sold to unsuspecting buyers.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s South East Zonal Director, disclosed plans to seize the building used for the illegal operation. He condemned the dangerous activities of the counterfeit drug ring, warning that many lives may have been lost due to consumption of the fake products.
“This is a grievous crime against public health. Only God knows how many have died from these expired and adulterated drugs. These merchants of death must be stopped,” Iluyomade stated.
He described the fugitive, Ekene Igwe, as a well-known figure in the illicit pharmaceutical trade, formerly operating at the notorious Ogbo-Ogu market. According to Iluyomade, following a crackdown at the market, many operators moved their operations to hidden sites in places like Asaba.
“This time, NAFDAC is taking decisive action to ensure Nigerians are protected. We are committed to putting an end to this menace and safeguarding public health,” he added.