Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a major counterfeit operation in Lagos State, seizing fake chemicals, expired food flavours, unauthorised fertilisers, and repackaged pharmaceutical raw materials valued at over N1 billion.
The illegal syndicate was discovered in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos, following an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses filled with dangerous substances.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, revealed that the operation was initiated after receiving credible intelligence about a criminal network engaged in large-scale food and chemical counterfeiting activities.
"This is one of the campaigns our agency is carrying out to protect the health of Nigerians," Dr. Iluyomade stated during the raid. "Chemicals are either precursors for other materials or are directly used in the production of consumable goods. Using expired chemicals means that the final product cannot be safe or effective. That is a serious health risk."
According to NAFDAC officials, the suspects were caught repackaging expired chemicals that were being redirected for use in food and drug production, posing significant dangers to public health.
Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research at NAFDAC, provided a detailed inventory of the dangerous items recovered from the site. These included expired food flavourings for various products such as roasted beef, roasted chicken, Chinook, and tiger nut. The agency also discovered active pharmaceutical ingredients including metronidazole benzoate.
The raid highlights NAFDAC's ongoing efforts to combat the production and distribution of counterfeit products that threaten public health and safety across Nigeria. The agency continues to urge citizens to report suspicious activities related to fake food products and chemicals.
This operation comes as part of NAFDAC's broader campaign to protect Nigerian consumers from harmful substances that could lead to serious health complications when consumed in food products or medications.
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