Kano Raid Uncovers N200m Worth of Unapproved Drugs in Abandoned Building -

Kano, Nigeria In a major crackdown on counterfeit pharmaceuticals, authorities in Kano State have seized unapproved medicines valued at over ₦200 million during a targeted raid within the metropolis.

The operation, carried out by the Kano State Committee on Motor Parks and Other Public Places, uncovered the illicit drugs hidden inside an abandoned building where they were reportedly stored under unsafe and unhygienic conditions.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, the confiscated drugs lacked certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), raising serious concerns about public health risks.

The raid was conducted in collaboration with multiple security and enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Chairman of the committee, Maj. Adamu Abubakar-Usman (retd.), who led the operation, revealed that the discovery followed credible intelligence reports.

NDLEA arrest woman with drugs concealed in fake pregnancy

NDLEA Intercepts 75,000 Pregabalin Capsules, 556 Codeine Bottles in Kano

Ex-Lagos Councillor Arrested With 40kg Skunk as NDLEA Uncovers Drugs Concealed in Baby Diapers

He warned that the circulation of such unapproved drugs poses significant dangers, particularly to vulnerable groups such as women and children.

“Exposure to excessive heat and poor storage conditions can severely compromise the effectiveness of medicines and endanger lives, especially when such products are not approved by relevant authorities,” he stated.

Authorities confirmed that the seized items included dozens of cartons of various drug brands, as well as empty packaging materials suspected to be used for repackaging counterfeit products.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Special Development, Dr. Danyaro Ali-Yakasai, urged residents to remain vigilant by verifying the authenticity of drugs before purchase and reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

The Kano State Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and vowed to intensify efforts to eliminate the distribution of fake and substandard medicines. Offenders, it added, will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.