In a major crackdown on counterfeit goods threatening public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a N1 billion illegal operationnafdac in Ketu, Lagos, involving expired food flavours, fake pharmaceutical chemicals, and unauthorised fertilisers stored in filthy, unsafe conditions.
The raid, carried out after credible intelligence, led to the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses loaded with harmful substances.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on dangerous products posing serious risks to public health.
“We received information about individuals posing as legitimate business operators while engaging in activities that seriously endanger public health,” Iluyomade stated.
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The suspects were allegedly repackaging expired chemicals—some originally meant for food and drug production—with fresh expiry labels, some marked as valid until 2026.
Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, NAFDAC’s Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, revealed a shocking list of recovered items, including, expired food flavours (roasted beef, chicken, tiger nut), active pharmaceutical ingredients like metronidazole benzoate and dangerous chemicals like caustic soda, urea fertiliser, and propylene glycol
The substances were found stored in dirty, unsafe conditions, some falsely labeled as “Made in China” and “QC certified.” Many required special clearance for handling but were found in unregulated hands.
“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,” Omokpariola warned.
Officials said the operation also involved unauthorized possession of controlled substances, including high-risk fertilisers, without proper clearance from the National Security Adviser.
NAFDAC is now widening its probe, vowing to track down all parties involved, including suppliers and possibly complicit importers.
If you have expired products, NAFDAC has clear guidelines on how to destroy them. Do not pass them off to unauthorised individuals. There will be consequences,” Iluyomade added.
The agency urged the public and corporate bodies to report suspicious activity and warned of severe consequences for violating safety protocols.
