The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and confiscated expired beverages worth N35 million in Kaduna State, following intelligence received from a vigilant citizen.

Deputy Director of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate at NAFDAC's Kaduna Office, Andrew Tamanuwa, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Tip-off Leads to Major Seizure

According to Tamanuwa, the operation was initiated after a concerned Nigerian alerted NAFDAC on Sunday evening about two buses and a Golf wagon loaded with expired non-alcoholic beverages heading to Kwanar Dangora in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.

"NAFDAC investigation and enforcement operatives swung into action, intercepted the vehicles and arrested the owner of the expired non-alcoholic beverages," Tamanuwa stated.

The initial interception yielded 700 packs of Schweppes and 300 packs of Fanta Orange flavor, all past their expiration dates.

Warehouse Discovery Expands Seizure

Further investigation led NAFDAC operatives to a warehouse on Bayajidda Road in Kaduna, where additional expired beverages were discovered. The warehouse contained 588 packs of Schweppes, 3,508 packs of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and 87 packs of Fanta Orange flavor.

Tamanuwa revealed that the confiscated products had expired in November 2024 and have been moved to the agency's warehouse pending destruction.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal

The NAFDAC official confirmed that investigations are continuing to identify other individuals involved in the distribution of expired products.

He urged the public to remain vigilant, especially during festive periods, and report suspicious products to help safeguard public health.

"We remain committed to continuing vigilance against expired and harmful products," Tamanuwa assured, reiterating NAFDAC's resolve to protect the health of Nigerians through rigorous monitoring and enforcement activities.

This seizure highlights the ongoing challenge of expired product circulation in Nigeria's markets and underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring consumer safety.