The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Rivers says it has uncovered a group distributing suspected fake drugs to the public in the name of evangelism.
Chukwuma Oligbu, NAFDAC South-South zonal director, said at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday that the group was tracked down at the Abuloma community town hall.
Mr Oligbu disclosed that a group member was apprehended while administering one of the suspected fake products to a member of the public.
He said the products were evacuated to the NAFDAC office for further investigation and documentation.
The NAFDAC official said the group was distributing unregistered eye drops, bottled water, cleansers, and tablets, among others, to the public.
Mr Oligbu listed some products being distributed, such as Evangelist Jenkins Supernatural Water, Evangelist Jenkins Cleanser, and Evangelist Jenkins Eye Drop.
He said the group, posing as an evangelism outfit, claimed the products could treat gastrointestinal diseases and eye challenges.
According to him, some users of the eye drop being distributed by the group have already reported having swollen eyes, which the group claims is a sign of the drug’s efficacy.
“These products have no lists of ingredients, no NAFDAC registration numbers, no manufacturer’s name and address, and no expiry dates.
“People were deceived to buy the products. They claim to be running a free medical treatment mission for goitre, cancer, piles, arthritis, rashes, fibroids, cataracts and glaucoma.
“They give consultancy cards to people; they collect not less than N5,000 for each of the drugs. This is not good,” he said.
Mr Oligbu assured that the agency would test the products to ascertain their composition and ensure justice was done on the matter.
He cautioned the public to desist from patronising groups and individuals that distribute unregistered products in the name of evangelism or free treatment missions.
Mr Oligbu also urged the public to report any suspicious activity through the agency’s toll-free line: 09097630507 and 09097630507, and to verify the registration of products before use.
“We are committed to ridding the state of fake drugs; we urge the public to collaborate with us by availing us reliable intelligence to track down those involved in this unwholesome practice,” he said.