Taskforce raids counterfeit drugs outlets in Delta

From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

Delta State taskforce on fake drugs/unwholesome processed food yesterday sealed off several unregistered pharmacies/patent shops within Asaba, Ibusa and Okpanam communities after raiding suspected counterfeit outs in the areas.
It was gathered that the government have been bothered by petitions from members of the public on the increasing fake drugs/unregistered pharmacies/patent shops in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, the who confirmed the raid/seal-off of the unregistered pharmacies/patent shops to our reporter on telephone said: “The state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who happened to be Medical Doctor ordered the raid and closure of unregistered patent shops, several patent shops that were sealed-off we are going to raid suspected counterfeit outs across the state, and the operators might be arrested”.
The Commissioner noted that the state taskforce on drugs counterfeit and wholesome processed food was drawn from members of relevant agencies/bodies as stipulated in section 8 of the enabling Act, adding that “the commencement of the raid/closure of unregistered patent shops will continue for a month across the state, and members of the committee will work with the mandate outlined by the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa”.
He said that in collaboration with National Agency for Food/Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC) the state taskforce would ensure offenders and violators are prosecuted without fear or favour, adding:
“the state government in protecting, and drastically, imploring two health of Deltans will support the activities of the taskforce whichever way it can.
“The Federal Taskforce is charged with the overall responsibility for enforcing the provisions of the enabling the enactment, visa vis coordinating the activities of the state taskforce”.