In a startling discovery, the National Agency for Drug and Food Adminstration and Control (NAFDAC) uncovered prohibited drugs hidden inside in plumbing material shops at the Onitsha Bridgehead Drug Market.

Officials seized two trailer loads of unregistered narcotics, banned tramadol, and counterfeit drugs concealed within these shops.

Three years ago when NAFDAC officials and police officers were attacked and narrowly escaped death while conducting a similar raid.

Without the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, the progress made in this operation would not have been possible.

Traders in the market have accused NAFDAC of targeting non-drug sections during the operation. However, intelligence led the agency to search these areas, revealing large quantities of illicit pharmaceuticals.

Heightened security measures were necessary due to a past incident.

Since the enforcement operation began over a week ago, NAFDAC has removed at least 10 fully loaded 40-foot trucks of fake, substandard, and adulterated drugs from the market, some falsely claiming NAFDAC approval.