‘Worse than Boko Haram’: How Couple Repackaged Banned and Expired Injectables in Delta State

In a shocking revelation that has outraged many, the Delta State Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods uncovered a disturbing operation involving a couple accused of relabeling and repackaging expired and banned injectables for sale across Nigeria.

The culprits, identified as Mr. and Mrs. Jude Nwachukwu, were arrested in their residence at Okwelle Street, Asaba, during a routine raid by the task force. The team, led by Pharmacist Jude Umunna, found large quantities of expired injectables that had been stripped of their original labels and replaced with new expiry dates.

Speaking during the operation, Umunna described the act as “worse than Boko Haram,” citing the potentially deadly consequences of selling unwholesome medical products. He added that the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal and counterfeit drugs that have flooded markets in the state.

How They Did It
The couple reportedly sourced expired and banned injectables, then relabeled them with new expiry dates using sophisticated printing equipment. The new packaging made the drugs appear authentic and fresh, fooling unsuspecting buyers and putting lives at risk.

The task force confiscated hundreds of boxes of these injectables, including antibiotics, vaccines, and other critical drugs. Health experts warn that using expired or banned injectables can lead to severe adverse reactions, permanent disability, or death.

A Wake-Up Call
Pharmacist Umunna warned the public to be vigilant and to purchase medical products only from reputable pharmacies and healthcare facilities. He further urged citizens to report suspicious activities to regulatory authorities to help rid the country of such dangerous practices.

Meanwhile, the arrested couple are currently in police custody and will be prosecuted under the law for endangering public health.

This latest bust highlights the growing concern over the sale of counterfeit and expired drugs in Nigeria, which experts warn is a major contributor to rising mortality and healthcare crises. Authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to clamp down on unscrupulous individuals profiting off the lives of innocent Nigerians.