The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Rivers State has arrested a syndicate posing as missionaries and caregivers selling fake eye drops and tablets to the public.
According to the agency, the syndicate used evangelism as a cover for their nefarious activities.
However, the activists of the group was exposed when some persons that took the drugs and eye drops had swollen eyes.
This was disclosed by the Director, Southsouth Zone of NAFDAC, Chukwuma Oligbu. He stated that the agency nabbed the suspects after receiving reports of the damaging effects of the products.
Oligbu pointed out that the unscrupulous elements posed as missionaries and free health caregivers. Wrapping their products with an image that conveyed an impression of Jesus. He stated that the group started their operations at the Community Town Hall Abuloma, Port Harcourt Local Government Area.
The Director noted that the products had no list of ingredients, manufacturing address or no expiry dates.
Oligbu gave the names of the unregistered products as Evangelist Jenkins Supernatural Water, Evangelist Jenkins Cleanser, and Evangelist Jenkins Eyes Drop, among others.
According to him, the sellers claimed that the products were formulated to treat goitre, cancer, pile, and arthritis. They also treat rashes, fibroids, cataracts and glaucoma, among others.
“The agency’s operatives stormed the area and arrested one Mrs Gladys Theophilus, who was attending to the patients. And launched a manhunt for a fake doctor behind the scam.
“Some persons that used the eyes drop got their eyes swollen. While the fake doctor that’s on the run assured them that the swollen eye was a sign that the drug was working. He assured them that the impurities in their eyes would be washed out as mucus and liquid comes out of their eyes.
“When the NAFDAC team led by the State Coordinator, Emmanuel Onogwu, stormed the Town Hall at Jetty Road, Abuloma, they met a woman administering their fake drugs to some persons waiting in turns.’’
“The middle aged woman, Mrs Gladys Theophilus, who was attending to unsuspecting victims was arrested. While the fake doctor claimed to be outside the State when he was contacted on phone.
“The fake products were eventually evacuated to NAFDAC Zonal Office at Woji Road, GRA Phase 2. While investigations are ongoing,” Oligbu added..
The Director warned the public to beware of the unscrupulous elements claiming to be evangelists and selling concoctions in the name of medicine. He added that their products were not registered or verified by any government body.
Oligbu warned that anybody patronizing the syndicate was doing so at their peril. This is as he called for public support in safeguarding the health of the nation.
He said, “The public are advised to immediately report to NAFDAC wherever activities of these fake healthcare providers are noticed. As NAFDAC insists on zero tolerance to counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.”