Not too long ago, the National Agency for Food & Drug Administration & Control (NAFDAC) recommended stiffer penalty for drug counterfeiters to serve as deterrent to others. Professor Adeyeye, the DG said the penalty, according to the provisions of the law for illicit drug dealers or drug offenders in the country is too weak and therefore called for such law to be reviewed. She further revealed that, the agency had presented a bill to the National Assembly proposing more punishments for illicit and falsified drug dealers. She noted that food and drugs are too important in human life to toy with. The agency’s boss said, “Fake and illicit drugs kill people and the judgment the offenders usually get is so insignificant when compared to the level of offence committed. Getting judgments of months or two years’ imprisonment is not enough. We must do everything possible to get a law in place that will recommend stiffer penalty for drug counterfeiters”.
In view of the foregoing, I call on the National Assembly to expedite action on the National Drug Control Bill by urgently examining and passing it into law. The bill seeks to eradicate illicit production, importation and trafficking of controlled substances by clarifying objectively the mandate and capacity of NDLEA and NAFDAC, as well as other relevant law enforcement and regulatory bodies. The bill is also aimed at criminalizing the diversion, distribution or dispensing of controlled substances with no license or prescription. When this bill becomes law, then ignorance of the law will be no excuse for illicit drug dealers and offenders any more.
The introduction and deployment of Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) – a scheme which enables consumers to check whether a drug is authentic or not, is a welcome development from NAFDAC, as this has to a large extent controlled drug counterfeiting, especially in anti-malaria and antibacterial drug categories. The food and drug agency, some days ago, in partnership with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) presented guidelines to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of the MAS scheme. You will recall that the House of Representative suggested that the agency utilise MAS for all drugs regulated by it.
To effectively combat fake dugs and rid the country of counterfeiters, there should be: First, effective public enlightenment on the deadly effects of fake drugs, engagement and monitoring of drug distribution among dealers. Secondly, provision of adequate technology protection for the identity of genuine drugs. Thirdly, improving the quality assurance operations of drug manufacturers nationwide. Fourthly, vigilance and advocacy by health care providers. Finally, NDLEA, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), State Security Service (SSS) and other law enforcement or security agencies and regulatory bodies should collaborate to produce a society free of fake and substandard drugs.
Kayode Ojewale wrote from Idimu, Lagos, and can be reached via:[email protected]
