FG embargoes cough syrup sales

Concerned over the rising cases of abuse of cough syrups, Federal Government has directed a restriction on the sale of codeine syrup to persons without doctor’s prescription, to check the indiscriminate and illicit consumption of the drug by addicts.
Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, who fielded questions from newsmen in Otukpo, Benue State, said government was constrained to place the embargo because of the high rate of abuse.
He said: “In recent time, we have been confronted with rising cases of young persons and women abusing some cough syrups, especially codeine, to get high, which is known for it’s efficacy in the treatment of cough.”