The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday partially unsealed major medicine and beverage markets in Abia State while vowing to arrest and prosecute those involved in drug counterfeiting.

The affected markets include Tenant Medicine Market, Ekumi Shopping Plaza?home to hair and beauty accessory dealers alongside pharmaceutical traders in Ariaria International Market?and Zone 9 in Eziukwu Market.

Cemetery Market Zone 9 had been sealed since December 16, 2024, while Ekumi Plaza was shut down about two weeks ago as part of a crackdown on counterfeit, unregistered, and adulterated medicines.

Earlier, The Nation reported that NAFDAC had sealed the popular Bakassi Zone of Eziukwu/Cemetery Market and the pharmaceutical section of Ekumi Plaza following the discovery of traders revalidating and relabeling expired medicines, baby foods, and beverages for sale to unsuspecting consumers.

Some traders, particularly those dealing in hair and beauty products at Ekumi Plaza, had expressed frustration over the prolonged shutdown of their shops, arguing that they were not involved in pharmaceutical sales.

The decision to partially reopen the markets followed high-level discussions between Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti and NAFDAC?s leadership at the national level.

Speaking during a meeting with market leaders at the Office of the Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, NAFDAC Southeast Zonal Director Martins Iluyomade clarified that only shops not sealed by the agency and those not dealing in medicines would be allowed to resume business.

Iluyomade thanked Governor Otti for his support and warned that NAFDAC would prosecute anyone caught revalidating, relabeling, or counterfeiting medical and consumer products.

He condemned the sale of adulterated medicines and beverages, emphasizing the agency?s commitment to protecting public health.

He also urged affected shop owners to meet with NAFDAC officials to initiate the process of reopening their stores.

Governor Otti?s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, who represented the governor at the meeting, warned property owners against allowing their premises to be used for the sale of counterfeit or banned products, stating that such properties risked being confiscated.

He assured that the Abia State government would fully support NAFDAC?s crackdown on fake and adulterated medicines and beverages.

Mayor of Aba South, Hon. Anyanwu Obialor, also pledged the local government?s commitment to maintaining regulatory standards and warned that any shop owner found engaging in illegal activities would have their business license revoked. (The Nation)