The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Rivers State has uncovered a group allegedly distributing suspected fake drugs under the guise of evangelism.
Mr Chukwuma Oligbu, NAFDAC’s South-South Zonal Director, revealed at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday that the group was apprehended at Abuloma Community Town Hall.
According to Oligbu, a member of the group was caught while administering one of the suspected fake products to a member of the public.
He stated that the products had been taken to NAFDAC’s office for further investigation and documentation.
The group was reportedly distributing unregistered eye drops, bottled water, cleansers, and tablets to the public.
Oligbu identified some of the products as Evangelist Jenkins Supernatural Water, Evangelist Jenkins Cleanser, and Evangelist Jenkins Eye Drop.
He explained that the group, masquerading as an evangelism mission, claimed the products could cure gastrointestinal illnesses and eye conditions.
“Some users of the eye drop have reported swollen eyes, which the group falsely claimed was a sign of the product’s effectiveness,” he said.
“These products have no list of ingredients, no NAFDAC registration numbers, no manufacturer’s name or address, and no expiry dates.”
“People were deceived into buying them under the pretence of a free medical outreach for conditions like goitre, cancer, piles, arthritis, rashes, fibroids, cataracts and glaucoma,” he added.
Oligbu noted that the group issued consultancy cards and charged no less than N5,000 for each product.
He assured that NAFDAC would carry out tests to determine the content of the products and ensure justice was served.
He warned the public against patronising individuals or groups distributing unregistered drugs in the name of evangelism or free medical missions.
He also urged people to report any suspicious activity via NAFDAC’s toll-free line: 09097630507, and verify the registration status of products before use.
“We are committed to ridding the state of fake drugs. We urge the public to collaborate with us by providing credible intelligence to help track those involved in such harmful practices,” he said.
(NAN)