In a shocking revelation, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of counterfeit Combiart dispersible tablets, a popular anti-malarial medication, in the country.
The fake tablets, which are supposed to contain artemether and lumefantrine to treat malaria, were found to contain zero active ingredients—posing a severe health risk to unsuspecting patients.
The fraudulent drugs were discovered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State. Laboratory tests revealed that the counterfeit tablets not only lacked any therapeutic value but also carried two different date markings, further indicating their falsification. To make matters worse, the product’s registration details were found to be fraudulent and expired, meaning they were never authorized for sale in Nigeria.
In a stark warning, NAFDAC stressed that counterfeit medicines like these do not meet safety standards and can cause treatment failure, organ damage, and even death. The agency has urged everyone in the supply chain—including importers, retailers, healthcare providers, and caregivers—to remain vigilant and avoid any involvement with these dangerous products.
Meanwhile, NAFDAC’s latest crackdown has also uncovered a massive stash of counterfeit medicines in Lagos. During a raid at Tyre Village, Trade Fair Complex, agents seized over N300 million worth of fake drugs, including amoxicillin, ampiclox, and counterfeit Augmentin packaging. These products—whose ingredients and quality are completely unknown—pose significant risks, from treatment failures to potentially deadly long-term health effects like cancer.
The suspect behind this illicit operation has been arrested, and an investigation is underway to halt the distribution of these deadly counterfeits. NAFDAC is sending a strong message to those profiting from the sale of counterfeit drugs: their days are numbered.
