NAFDAC arrests 3, uncovers fake chemicals, worth over N1bn in Lagos

 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, yesterday uncovered an alleged illegal operation involving fake and expired food-grade chemicals, flavours, fertilisers, and repackaged raw materials valued at over N1 billion in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos.

The raid led to the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses, where the alleged illicit materials were being stored and distributed.

Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who led the operation, said: “This is one of the many operations we are carrying out to protect the health of Nigerians. We got reliable information that certain individuals, while pretending to run a legitimate business, were involved in activities that are not only illegal but dangerous to lives.

“The main offence here is the distribution and sale of expired chemicals. These are raw materials, some of which are precursors for other compounds, while others go directly into the production of consumables. Using expired chemicals in such processes makes the final product unsafe.

“We found fertilisers that require clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser before they can be distributed. Yet, this individual has been selling them freely.”

According to him, a particularly alarming find was a stash of expired food-grade additives discovered inside a vehicle.