The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal drug manufacturing operation inside an uncompleted storey building in Azagba-Ogwashi, Delta State.
The makeshift factory, located on the ground floor of the building and also serving as a residence, belongs to one Ekene Igwe, who is currently on the run. His wife, Blessing Igwe, was arrested during the raid.
Babatunji Omoyeni, Deputy Director of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement (South South/South East), confirmed on Tuesday that the agency acted on a public tip-off. He said the factory was traced to a drug shop at the Bridge Head market in Onitsha, a known hub for illicit pharmaceuticals.
Items seized included expired and adulterated injectables—such as chloroquine phosphate, petazine, and gentamycin—repackaged with fake labels. Authorities also found a large drum containing vials soaked in unidentified liquid.
“We’ve profiled other occupants of the building and are intensifying efforts to apprehend the main suspect,” Omoyeni said. Blessing Igwe is expected to face charges for her role in the operation.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC Director for the South East, said the agency is taking steps to confiscate the property used for the illegal activities.
“It’s tragic how many lives may have been lost due to these fake drugs,” he said. “These criminals rebrand expired injectables, some as old as seven years, endangering countless Nigerians. We’re taking strong measures to end this.”
Iluyomade noted that many illicit drug traders have relocated from Onitsha’s Ogbo-Ogu market to nearby areas like Asaba to evade detection.
“NAFDAC is committed to protecting public health and will pursue this fight to the end,” he added.
