Nigerian Trader Jailed For Repackaging Paracetamol As Anti-Malaria Drugs
A Nigerian trader from Anambra state, Ogbodo Friday has been sentenced for repackaging paracetamol as anti-malaria drugs.
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Friday was sentenced at a Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State on Wednesday.
He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for endangering the lives of unsuspecting consumers.
Investigation and Enforcement officers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control arrested the Ogbodo.
According to a statement released by NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the culprit was arrested at his residence. The residence is at 18, Abagana street, Figge, Onitsha.
During the investigation, officials recovered packs of falsified Maldox (Sulfadoxine and Pyrimethamine). This is a brand of anti-malaria tablet manufactured by a registered Nigerian Pharmaceutical company.
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He revealed to the officers upon his arrest how he repackages painkillers as anti-malaria drugs.
Ogbodo said they cut Emzor Paracetamol tablets and repackages them as Maldox (Sulfadoxine & Pyrimethamine). Then they are supplied to some unnamed dealers in Medical Products in Onitsha.
He told the officers that he had been in this dangerous business for more than a year.
The Media consultant said the evidence and confession made the agency charge him to court.
He was charged under FHC/AWK/C/57/2021- between FRN V. OGBODO FRIDAY.
The statement read:
“On 26th January 2022, he was arraigned at the Federal High Awka, Anambra State before Justice H.A. Nganjiwa on a two-count charge bordering on possession of Fake Maldox (Sulfadoxine and Pyrimethamine) and packaging of Emzor paracetamol in a manner that is misleading.
“After Ogbodo Friday pleaded guilty to the offence, the Prosecution reviewed the facts thereafter and the Court convicted the Defendant on the two-count charge and sentenced him to five years in prison on count 1 and two years in prison on count 2 without an option of fine.”
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Justice Nganjiwa who presided over the case expressed dismay at the action of the culprit.
He reiterated that people would have lost their lives from taking the fake drugs.
Nganjiwa emphasized that merchants should be warned from destroying lives with fake drugs.
Also, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye commended the judiciary for handling the case.
Adeyeye insisted that the agency would not rest until these fake drug dealers are brought to book.
She also condemned those still in the business of making counterfeit medicines for their greed.
Adeyeye promised to ensure that other defaulters are brought to the judiciary for a logical conclusion.
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She concluded:
“I urge you and I also encourage you that when you see something, say something.
“This is the only way we can collectively fight and win the battle against these merchants of death who profiteer in circulating falsified and substandard medicines at the detriment of the wellbeing of their fellow human beings.”
Source: PUNCH HealthWise
