Drug dealers operating under the Ogbo Ogwu Market, Headbridge, Onitsha, Anambra State, have refuted allegations of dealing in fake drugs, asserting that they have successfully eradicated adulterated medicines from the market.

Speaking to journalists in Onitsha, the chairman of the Caretaker Committee (CTC) of Ogbo Ogwu Market, Mr. Chukwuleta Ndubisi, credited a cordial relationship with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for helping to maintain order and peace among traders.

Ndubisi highlighted several achievements since assuming office in 2022.

He condemned the actions of six out of 21 CTC members, accusing them of engaging in campaigns of calumny against the executive, filing false accusations, and threatening the lives of committee members. He alleged that these sacked members had been involved in illegal dealings and described them as the market’s major problem.

“We have chased away importers and distributors of fake and illicit drug dealers. We have laws banning the sale and distribution of fake drugs. Our members respect human life, and nobody has come up with claims that he or she ever bought fake or adulterated drugs at Ogbo Ogwu Market,” Ndubisi said, dismissing the allegations as malicious and false.

He added that his committee had transformed the market with infrastructure improvements, fostered harmony among traders, and maintained a strong working relationship with NAFDAC.

Highlighting his achievements, Ndubisi stated, “I have been in the market for over 32 years, and nobody has accused me of any wrongdoing or involvement in dubious activities. Our executive attracted over N15 million in revenue for the state government last year. Fake drugs estimated at over N420 million were seized and handed over to NAFDAC for destruction.

“We restored electricity, cleared over N8 million in electricity arrears owed by previous executives, employed security personnel paid from monthly levies collected from traders, installed boreholes for pipe-borne water, and built toilets,” he said, insisting that peace now reigns in Ogbo Ogwu Market.

Members of the CTC earlier passed a vote of confidence in Ndubisi’s leadership, commending his transparency and open-door policy. (The Guardian)