NAFDAC seizes N20m worth of illegal products in Sokoto markets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in an operation in Sokoto, confiscating over N20 million worth of substandard, falsified, and banned products.

A statement by NAFDAC via X on Tuesday said that the raid was carried out by the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement/Federal Task Force on Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods and targeted key markets including Old Market, Kara Market, and Central Market.

During the operation, four suspects were arrested, and seventeen shops were screened. A haul of illegal products was seized, including several cartons of Endocoton Super containing banned Paraquat.

The statement said, “Seventeen shops were screened, and several cartons of Endocoton Super containing banned Paraquat were confiscated. Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that poses significant health risks and environmental hazards.

“Additionally, the raid resulted in the seizure of 2,096 cartons of SF MOE Soap and 223 cartons of SF Oxxo Purest Soap. Several unregistered herbal preparations with pornographic pictorials, posing a notable risk to public health, were also removed.

“Those arrested are under investigation, and the confiscated products will be processed according to regulations for Substandard & Falsified products.”

The agency reaffirmed its ban on Paraquat agrochemicals, vowing to enforce the ban rigorously.

“The Agency urges the public to report suspicious activities or products to the nearest NAFDAC office to help combat the distribution of dangerous and illegal products,” the statement added.

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