TheCable

The house of representatives has resolved to probe the alleged importation of Chinese drugs containing human parts into the country.

TheCable had reported that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) cautioned Nigerians against the use of such drugs, following their interception in South Korea.

According to a memo seen by TheCable, South Korean customs service intercepted 2,751 drugs containing human remains imported into the country by suspected Chinese nationals.

“The South Korean Customs Service, on 30 September, 2018, revealed that it had seized two thousand, seven hundred and fifty-one (2,751) Chinese drugs/capsules, containing human remains from foetuses, infants and flesh imported into the country by some Chinese nationals,” the memo had read.

The service had called on the NIA and the other agencies in the country to warn Nigerians to be mindful of drugs imported from China.

At plenary on Wednesday, Johnson Agbonayinma from Edo state said there was a need for the house to urgently intervene in the matter.

He described the development as a crime against humanity, “which can also lead to serious health challenges”.

Agbonayinma added that “if immediate measures are not taken to stem the influx of these drugs and the illegal importers, it will continue to endanger the lives of citizens”.

The motion was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers when put to voice vote.

The relevant committees including those on health care services and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) were subsequently directed to investigate the matter.

The committees are to invite the Nigerian Customs, NAFDAC and the NIA over the development.