The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a massive illegal operation in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos State, involving fake chemicals, expired food flavourings, and dangerous raw materials worth over ₦1 billion.
NAFDAC said three suspects have been arrested so far. Three warehouses used for the criminal operation have also been sealed.
The discovery was made during a raid led by the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, acting on credible intelligence about a counterfeiting network.
“The suspects were repackaging expired chemicals meant for use in food and drug production,” said Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement.
Expired Ingredients, Pharmaceutical Materials Repackaged
Iluyomade warned that such practices pose a direct threat to public health.
“Chemicals are either precursors for other materials or are directly used in producing consumable goods,” he said.
“Using expired chemicals means the final product cannot be safe or effective. That is a serious health risk.”
During the operation, officials recovered a range of hazardous substances, including expired flavourings labelled for roasted beef, roasted chicken, tiger nut, and Chinook-flavoured items.
They also found unauthorised fertilisers and raw pharmaceutical ingredients such as metronidazole benzoate being stored and repackaged for sale.
“These were active ingredients that should not be handled outside regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environments,” said Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research.
Agency Vows to Prosecute Offenders
NAFDAC has vowed to prosecute those involved in the illegal operation. The agency says the suspects will face charges under Nigeria’s food and drug safety laws.
According to NAFDAC, fake chemicals and unauthorised drug ingredients can lead to widespread illness, treatment failure, or even death.
The agency is also calling on the public to report suspicious activity around food, chemical, or drug production to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“This is one of the campaigns our agency is carrying out to protect the health of Nigerians,” Iluyomade said.
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