By Anne Azuka
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illicit drug manufacturing facility operating out of an uncompleted three-storey building at Azagba-Ogwashi, near Issele-Azagba, in Delta Capital Territory.
The ground floor of the building, owned by one Ekene Igwe, served both as a factory and a residential space. During the raid, NAFDAC’s enforcement team arrested the suspect’s wife, Blessing Igwe, while the prime suspect remains at large. Other occupants of the building were also profiled.
Deputy Director Babatunji Omoyeni, who heads NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Taskforce for the South-South and South-East zones, led journalists to the scene. He revealed that the raid followed a successful surveillance operation tracing illicit drug sales to a shop at Ogbo-Ogu, Bridge Head Market in Onitsha.
Items recovered from the site included a large drum containing vials soaked in unidentified liquid substances, adulterated drugs, and rebranded expired medications. Among the seized products were large quantities of chloroquine phosphate (322mg/5ml), petazine injection (50mg/2ml), gentamycin injection (280mg/2ml), and various other contraband injectables bearing falsified labels.
Omoyeni said the agency acted on credible intelligence from concerned members of the public and assured that efforts are underway to apprehend the main suspect. He confirmed that the arrested wife would be prosecuted based on her level of involvement.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC Director for the South-East Zone, disclosed plans to seize the building used for the illegal activities. He expressed concern over the public health risks posed by such operations.
“I feel very sad for our country and the horrors being perpetrated by individuals who value profit over human life,” Iluyomade said. “Only God knows how many lives have been lost due to these dangerous and expired drugs being circulated.”
According to him, the suspect—believed to be a major trader in the Onitsha drug market—relocated his operations to uncompleted buildings in Asaba after enforcement efforts intensified in Onitsha.
“This issue has persisted for years, but NAFDAC is now taking decisive action to end it,” Iluyomade stated. “Our mission is to safeguard the health of Nigerians and ensure public safety.