CPC Arrest Drug Hawkers For Selling Controlled Drugs In Abuja

Several drug hawkers have been arrested by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) for a selling controlled drug known as ‘Tramadol’ in Abuja markets.

This is even as the Council, alerted relevant regulatory and security agencies of the implications of the sales of controlled drugs to the welfare of Nigerian consumers.

The drug hawkers were apprehended at motor parks, make-shift shops and uncompleted buildings.
“Investigations have revealed that controlled drugs such as Tramadol are freely being hawked in the markets and motor parks across the country, contrary to relevant regulations on the sale of such drugs.



“Tramadol, like drugs of its kind, can influence the mood and behavior of people and are restricted to be sold strictly by doctor’s prescriptions, a situation that the Council’s investigation said is grossly violated.”

CPC while acknowledging previous efforts by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in ensuring proper sale of Tramadol, noted that the current reality has shown that renewed efforts need to taken to address the menace.

It also pointed out that the Pharmacy Laws in Nigeria do not permit the sale of such ethical drugs without doctor’s prescription.

CPC disclosed that it had already communicated its discovery to NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and that it will send a list of pharmacy stores, which it discovered to be selling Tramadol without doctor’s prescription to the PCN for possible disciplinary action, as well as Patent Medicines Stores operating illegally and selling drugs not covered by their schedule.

Meanwhile, drugs from those apprehended have been confiscated, while they are being interrogated to find out the source of their supply.

While cautioning pharmacies to desist from selling ethical drugs to consumers without prescription, the Council advised consumers not to patronize pharmacies for such controlled drugs without doctors’ prescription and to shun medicine hawkers because they are possible sources of fake and substandard medicines.