The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned KRA Nalele Pharmaceutical Ltd. and two men before the Federal High Court in Jos over alleged involvement in the sale and distribution of counterfeit Coartem tablets.
NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, saying the defendants were charged over the alleged distribution of counterfeit Coartem containing Artemether and Lumefantrine 20/120mg in Jos, Plateau State.
The agency said the case followed a complaint from Novartis, the manufacturer of Coartem, after suspected counterfeit versions of the antimalarial drug were reportedly discovered in circulation in Jos.
According to NAFDAC, its operatives conducted an enforcement operation on Feb. 14, 2025, at 68/13 Mango Street, near Masallacin Juma’a, Jos, where suspected counterfeit Coartem tablets were discovered and removed.
The agency said the owner of the pharmacy was arrested and questioned, leading operatives to another location at No. 6 Panshin Street, where the alleged supplier was subsequently arrested.
NAFDAC said the suspect admitted supplying the suspected counterfeit Coartem and other products to KRA Nalele Pharmaceutical Ltd. during interrogation.
It added that laboratory analysis of samples of the seized product showed zero active content of both Artemether and Lumefantrine, the two active pharmaceutical ingredients in the drug.
The agency said the three defendants were subsequently arraigned on a three-count charge under the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap C34, Laws of the Federation 2004.
NAFDAC said the offences are punishable under Section 3(1)(a) of the Act.
Meanwhile, the agency said it had intensified its enforcement operations against banned sachet alcoholic drinks and PET-packaged alcoholic beverages below 200ml across Lagos State.
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NAFDAC said its operatives on Tuesday raided several flashpoint locations, including Terminal in Oshodi, Iyana-Ipaja, Agbado, Okodo LCDA, Ilepo Market and Oke-Odo Market.
It said several cartons of the banned alcoholic beverages were seized during the operations as part of efforts to remove the products from circulation.
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