LAGOS —
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a massive illegal syndicate dealing in fake chemicals, expired food flavourings, unauthorised fertilisers, and repackaged pharmaceutical raw materials worth over ₦1 billion in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos State.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NAFDAC confirmed the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses packed with dangerous substances posing serious risks to public health.
Criminal Network Busted After Intelligence Tip-Off
The enforcement exercise, led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, followed credible intelligence reports of a counterfeiting ring operating under the guise of a legitimate business.
“We are committed to protecting the health of Nigerians. This operation targeted individuals engaged in activities that put millions at risk,” Iluyomade said.
He added that many of the confiscated items were expired chemicals repurposed for food and drug production, posing critical health hazards to unsuspecting consumers.
“Using expired chemicals in food or pharmaceutical manufacturing renders the end product unsafe and potentially fatal,” he warned.
Unauthorized Fertilizers and Restricted Substances Found
According to Iluyomade, the team discovered high-risk materials, including fertilisers that require clearance from the National Security Adviser, stored without any authorisation.
“These were meant for licensed end users or government agencies, yet they were being stockpiled in unregulated conditions,” he noted.
He also hinted at possible complicity by registered importers, since many of the seized food-grade chemicals originated from officially licensed suppliers.
Dangerous Substances Repackaged With Fake Labels
Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research at NAFDAC, detailed the items recovered during the raid:
- Expired food flavors: roasted beef, roasted chicken, Chinook, tiger nut
- Pharmaceutical ingredients: metronidazole benzoate
- Industrial chemicals: caustic soda, urea fertilizer, propylene glycol
- Excipients and cola additives with fake labels and tampered expiry dates
“The suspect created his own expiry labels, with some falsely marked as valid till 2026. Some bore misleading labels like ‘Made in China’ and ‘QC certified’ to deceive buyers,” Omokpariola said.
Repackaging Hub Operating Like a Junkyard
NAFDAC officials described the site as a makeshift repackaging facility, with hazardous chemicals stored in filthy, unsafe conditions. Substances were allegedly being relabelled and distributed for use in food, beverages, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
“Expired paracetamol is dangerous, but expired chemicals used to make multiple drugs or food items are much worse — because consumers don’t even know they’re exposed,” Omokpariola explained.
Investigation Extended to Multinational Suppliers
NAFDAC said it is expanding the investigation to include licensed companies that sold the materials involved in the illegal trade.
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“We will probe any company — local or multinational — that contributed to this public health threat, either knowingly or negligently,” Iluyomade stated.
He also issued a stern warning to businesses dealing in chemicals:
“If you have expired materials, follow NAFDAC-approved disposal procedures. Do not hand them over to unauthorized individuals. The law will take its course.”
The suspect at the center of the operation has been ordered to report to NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Apapa or face legal consequences.
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