The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted counterfeit malaria medicines worth over ₦1.2 billion in Lagos.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Friday, the agency said its operatives raided a warehouse in the Ilasa-Oshodi area, where they discovered 277 cartons of fake Malamal Forte drugs.

According to NAFDAC, the products were unregistered and concealed in cartons falsely labelled as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg. They were reportedly imported from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China and falsely declared as spare parts to avoid detection.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the interception is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect public health.

“This seizure is part of NAFDAC’s sustained nationwide operation to protect public health and ensure only safe, quality medicines are available to Nigerians,” she said.

She added that the agency has stepped up surveillance at ports and warehouses nationwide, in collaboration with security agencies, to prevent smugglers from circulating dangerous products.

Adeyeye emphasized that government support has further strengthened NAFDAC’s fight against counterfeit medicines.