NAFDAC Seizes Counterfeit Products Worth N50M

Ayodeji Ake

As part of its efforts in securing the health of Nigerians, the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized 333 cartons of Read-A-Dream and 281 cartons of Kilit insecticides and some unused labels for counterfeited products and Rambo insecticides, in Festac axis of Lagos State, worth over N50 million.

The suspect, Mr. Obumneme Okpala, according to NAFDAC, is a recalcitrant offender, who in 2015 reportedly imported fake and unwholesome 1x40ft container of Kilit Insecticide through Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The product at the time was forfeited for destruction, and he wrote a notarised undertaking that he would not engage in the importation and distribution of fake, unwholesome and adulterated NAFDAC regulated products again.

Revealing this during a press briefing in Lagos recently, the Acting Director General of NAFDAC, Mr. Ademola Magbojuri, said Obumneme has been on the trail for two years before he was recently captured.

“In continuation with the ongoing investigation into the importation, distribution, warehousing and sales of suspected unregistered insecticide and sequel to a tip-off by a concerned citizen, a team of NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement Officers were directed to carry out proper investigation into the intelligence report. Our surveillance revealed that block 188, plot 2054 Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State was one of the places we have been looking out for the counterfeit of NAFDAC Regulated Products,” he said.

Ademola disclosed that the suspect was nabbed through the whistle blowing policy of the government, as he pledged not to relent on the battle against counterfeiters.

He said: “I want to re-assure the general public of the resolve of the Agency to sustain the fight against counterfeiters and smugglers of NAFDAC regulated products and also wish to appeal to members of the public to report any suspicious activity relating to NAFDAC regulated products around their environment to the nearest Investigation and Enforcement Offices.”

Speaking on the health hazard of fake insecticide products, the Director, Chemical Evaluation and Research, Mrs. Ngozi Onnah, explained that the flammability of fake insecticides can cause pollution which may set an apartment ablaze when it comes in contact with naked fire.

She also added that combination of various chemicals can cause cancer if inhaled.