The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a massive illegal operation involving the sale of expired chemicals, counterfeit food flavours, unauthorised fertilisers, and repackaged pharmaceutical raw materials in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos.
In a statement, the agency said that several suspects had been arrested and three warehouses sealed during the raid, which was based on credible intelligence about a syndicate engaged in large-scale counterfeiting of food and chemical products.
Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, Martins Iluyomade, told reporters that the agency acted to safeguard public health, warning that the suspects posed as legitimate business operators while endangering lives.
He revealed that many of the expired chemicals were being repackaged and redirected for use in food and drug production, posing grave risks.
The raid also uncovered several controlled and high-risk materials, including fertilisers that require special clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser, being stockpiled without authorisation.
Iluyomade assured the public that investigations were ongoing and that the agency would ensure prosecution of those involved.
