Ondo Task force arrests fake drug manufacturer operating in 13 states

A fraudulent drug manufacturer, operating under the name “Brother Paul Legacy Foundation” and distributing fake and counterfeit drugs across 13 states in the country, has been apprehended by the Ondo state task force against fake and counterfeit drugs.

The arrest took place at the organization’s office in the cultural area of Ondo road, Akure, the capital state, following a tip-off received by the task force.

According to Mrs. Folukemi Aladenola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the fake drug organization was found in possession of concoctions claiming to cure various ailments that pose significant health risks to people.

Aladenola also disclosed that this fraudulent entity had been operating in 13 other states across the country.

She stated that the organization had falsely claimed it could treat a wide range of conditions, including cancer, low sperm count, diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis, and barrenness, asserting that it was registered with NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control).

Aladenola emphasized the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the health interests of its residents and highlighted the government’s initiatives to increase access to healthcare facilities.

This included the suspension of registration fees in all government facilities to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

She urged people to take advantage of these government healthcare facilities instead of patronizing quacks charging fees ranging from N5,000 to N10,000.

The Permanent Secretary urged residents to seek healthcare from qualified professionals and accredited government and private facilities.

She noted that the organization responsible for distributing counterfeit drugs would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for sanctions.

NAFDAC representative Mr. Samuel Olatunji revealed that the representatives of the “Brother Paul Legacy Foundation” had falsely claimed to possess NAFDAC registration for their products, but it was discovered that their registration number was fake.

Olugbenga Lasekan, Chairman of the task force in Ondo State, warned individuals engaged in the sale of counterfeit drugs and adulterated consumables to cease their activities, emphasizing that those caught would face legal consequences.