By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Over N1 trillion worth of fake, substandard and counterfeit drugs were on Friday destroyed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Awka, Anambra State.

Items destroyed include, Tramadol, Analginl, and various pediatric pharmaceuticals, which had been stored in prohibited areas or banned by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The drugs were part of the overhaul resulting from the raid and subsequent closure of the Onitsha Bridge Head Drug Market which was recently reopened for business.

NAFDAC?s Director-General, Professor Christian Adeyeye, who was represented by the Zonal Director for the Southeast, Dr. Martin Iluyomade during the incident said that the closure and raids of drug markets were in response to public complaints regarding the prevalence of fake, substandard, and counterfeit drugs in the Southeast.

He said: ?Many of these drugs are banned, such as Analgin and certain pediatric medications, and they were stored in places that violate WHO regulations,

?It is our responsibility to ensure that these products are safe and fit for human consumption.?

?These drugs were transported in a 140-foot truck, valued at over N1 trillion, and were supposed to be stored at specific temperatures. However, they were kept in markets that do not meet the required standards,? he said.

?The volume of drugs found in these two markets could destabilize the country, and many of these are narcotic drugs associated with criminal activity,? Dr. Iluyomade added. ?People who consume these drugs are not only harming themselves but also using them to commit crimes, which contributes to the growing insecurity in our country.?

According to him, the drugs being destroyed were from the Aba and Onitsha markets, including products intended for pregnant women.

On his part the Managing Director of the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASMATA), Mr. Mike Ozoemena harped on the support given by Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo saying, ?Governor Soludo has shown tremendous support to NAFDAC?s efforts, particularly from the time the market was closed.

?He visited the market personally to assess the situation and ensure the safety of our people,? in fighting criminality in Anambra State, particularly due to the role narcotics play in fueling crime. As a government, we will continue to provide NAFDAC with all the necessary assistance they need.?