The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said the illicit activities of drug hawkers endanger the nation’s security.
The agency said drug hawkers are the major distributors and suppliers of narcotics to criminal networks, like armed bandits, insurgents, kidnappers and armed robbers.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, said this at a sensitisation workshop on: The Dangers of Drug Hawking and Ripening of Fruits With Calcium Carbide, organised by the agency’s Northeast zone in Bauchi.
Adeyeye, who was represented by NAFDAC’s Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, Dr Leonard Omokpariola, said well-meaning Nigerians had called for stringent regulatory actions to checkmate drug hawkers and sellers of ripened fruits with calcium carbide.
The NAFDAC boss noted that most of the drugs the hawkers sell do not meet the quality, safety and efficacy requirements of regulated medicines.
She said the federal agency remained resolute in its resolve to eradicate the illicit trade.
Adeyeye said: “Drugs are sensitive life-saving commodities which should not be sold on the streets/motor parks or open markets, just like any other article of trade.
“I wish to warn you that any drug hawker arrested by NAFDAC will be prosecuted, and will face a jail term. Our enforcement officers are currently carrying out a synchronised nationwide operation. No offender will be spared from facing the full wrath of the law.
“In this regard, we solicit the cooperation and support of all other law enforcement agencies, journalists, and well-meaning Nigerians in ridding the country of this harmful and shameful practice.”
