Kano taskforce hands over N1.5bn of seized fake drugs for destruction

The Kano State Taskforce Committee on Motor Parks and Public Spaces has handed over illegal and substandard drugs valued at N1.5 billion to the Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) for safe storage ahead of destruction.

This is contained in a statement signed by Farouk Isa Musa, the agency’s spokesperson, on Wednesday.

The chairman of the committee, Major Adamu Abubakar Usman (retd), said the drugs were seized from dealers at Dangwaro Market.

According to him, the items include fake, adulterated, counterfeit, expired and other harmful medicines.

He assured residents that the committee remains committed to protecting public health and enforcing safety standards across the state.

He added that the taskforce is working closely with market leaders to track down and remove illegal drugs from circulation.

“This is a powerful reminder that our surveillance systems are working and that those who seek to endanger public health will not go unchecked,” Usman said.

He warned traders and drug sellers to follow the law and advised members of the public to buy medicines only from trusted and approved sources.

Receiving the confiscated drugs, the Director-General of DMCSA, Gali Sule, reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of residents.

“On behalf of the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, I formally receive these confiscated fake, adulterated, counterfeit, and expired medicines. The sight of these products is deeply concerning,” he said.

He described the seized drugs as more than just illegal goods.

Among the seized items were 199 cartons of Benzhexol Hydrochloride BP 5 mg tablets, five cartons of Cinbul tablets, Levofloxacin 500 mg, three cartons of Cikatetem 60 ml, six cartons of Betaclox, and 80 packets of Augmentin 1 g, among others.

Kano taskforce hands over N1.5bn of seized fake drugs for destruction