National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Warns Patent Medicine Dealers Against Selling Controlled Drugs
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command, has cautioned patent and proprietary medicine dealers against selling or prescribing antibiotics, diabetic medications, and other controlled drugs.
The State Commander, Lawal Adetula, delivered the warning during a sensitisation programme for members of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) in Igboora, Oyo State. The event, themed “Consequence of Dispensing Drugs in Error to the Public,” focused on the risks associated with improper drug distribution.
Represented by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Toyin Ajanaku, Adetula listed antibiotics, diabetic drugs, blood thinners, strong painkillers, cardiovascular medications, and psychotic drugs among those patent medicine dealers are not authorised to sell or prescribe. He stressed that such medicines are classified as controlled drugs and may only be dispensed by licensed pharmacies.
“I want to use this opportunity to warn you against selling marijuana, cocaine and other illicit drugs which are harmful to the body and negatively affect society,” he said, adding that the agency would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute violators.
Adetula acknowledged the important role patent medicine dealers play in communities but warned them against presenting themselves as medical doctors. “You don’t have the right or training to sell or prescribe controlled drugs,” he stated.
In a separate lecture, NDLEA Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Mercy Godwin, urged dealers to exercise caution when dispensing medications, noting that wrong prescriptions could worsen health conditions or even result in death. She added that the agency would continue routine inspections of shops to ensure compliance and rid the system of harmful drugs.
Responding on behalf of members, NAPPMED Chairman for Ibarapa Zone, Segun Adeniyi, commended the NDLEA for the awareness campaign and pledged that members would adhere strictly to existing drug regulations.
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