NAFDAC Uncovers Over N1 Billion Worth of Fake Chemicals and Expired Products in Lagos
NAFDAC Uncovers Over N1 Billion Worth of Fake Chemicals and Expired Products in Lagos
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has busted an illegal operation in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos, involving counterfeit chemicals, expired food flavourings, unauthorised fertilisers, and improperly repackaged pharmaceutical raw materials valued at over ₦1 billion.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the agency confirmed the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses stocked with hazardous substances.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said the operation was carried out based on reliable intelligence concerning a criminal syndicate involved in large-scale counterfeiting of food and chemical products.
He explained that the group had been repackaging expired chemicals for use in food and pharmaceutical production, posing a major risk to public health.
“Expired chemicals used in making consumable items compromise the safety and efficacy of the final products, endangering the lives of consumers,” Iluyomade stated.
Also speaking, NAFDAC’s Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, provided a rundown of the items recovered during the raid. These included expired food flavourings, roasted beef and chicken, tiger nuts, and active pharmaceutical substances like metronidazole benzoate.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and warned that it would continue to crack down on counterfeiters across the country.
