In a concerted effort to combat the proliferation of counterfeit goods, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recently conducted raids on several supermarkets in Abuja, leading to the confiscation of fake products valued at N50 million.
Among the targeted stores were Sahad stores, H-Medix branches in Wuse 2 and Gwarinpa, 3rd Avenue, as well as Utako market. During the raids, NAFDAC officials uncovered counterfeit cosmetics at H-Medix and seized fake drugs at Utako market.
The Head of Investigation and Enforcement/Federal Taskforce for NAFDAC in the FCT, Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, emphasized that the operation was prompted by intelligence reports received from concerned citizens. The enforcement team extended its reach beyond Abuja, conducting raids in Kugbo market in Nyanya and Mararaba area of Nasarawa State, as well as the popular Wuse Market, resulting in the seizure of goods worth millions of Naira.
Mr. Godiya expressed shock at the discovery of substandard NIVEA cream and other cosmetics being sold at inflated prices compared to NAFDAC-approved products. The seized counterfeit items, which included Jik bleach, Harpic toilet cleaner, and Airwick room freshener, amounted to a staggering N45 million, contributing to the total value of confiscated goods during the operation reaching N50 million.
Highlighting the health risks posed by counterfeit products, Mr. Godiya warned of potential consequences such as cancer, kidney damage, and skin rashes. He reiterated NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to upholding quality standards and vowed to apprehend individuals involved in the illegal importation and sale of counterfeit goods. Consumers were urged to prioritize safety by scrutinizing product labels for NAFDAC registration numbers and refraining from purchasing items from unlicensed vendors.
