National Agency for
Food and Drug Administration and Control , NAFDAC, yesterday, arrested five
suspects for alleged sale of expired products.
The Director-General
of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, who briefed journalist in Lagos on activities of the
Agency in in Lagos said the suspects were arrested following intelligence
report.
Orhii who was
represented by the Head of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, while
addressing, Mr Kingsley Ejiofor, said that the arrests were made in the last
few weeks and investigation was ongoing.
Orhii explained that
One Mr Charles Onyekachi was arrested for an alleged counterfeiting of Derica
Tomato paste.
According to him, the
product was discovered in Kano and traced to Lagos. Onyekachi imported 1*20ft.
container from China and shipped to Cotonou, Benin Republic from where it was
transported to Kano.
“He has registered
products with the Agency among which is the Tomatoes paste. He now sells his
registered brand along with the counterfeit to discredit the popular Derica
Tomatoe Paste brand with an intent to gain Market space.
“The quantity and
value of counterfeit released in the market is four times that of his own
brand. The counterfeit product is worth N8 million.
He further hinted that
already a criminal charge has been filed against him at the Federal High Court,
Lagos.
Orhii said that the
agency also arrested two suspects, Tochukwu Ozala and Obiora Ochuba for
production, distribution and sale of counterfeit Maxiquine Syrup.
He said that the
suspects were arrested by the police in Onitsha with four bags of empty bottles
of Maxiquine Syrup, four litres of white liquid chemicals, one bottle of
unlabelled substance and 12 empty cartons.
According to him,
Ozala during interrogation claim that the Maxiquine Syrup belongs to one Mr
Emma who is currently at large.
“On Feb. 12, the same
Ozala was arrested for counterfeiting of a popular brand of Codeine containing
Cough Syrup. The first case is still being investigated when he committed this
current criminal offence.
“The suspect is an
unrepentant drug counterfeiter, his activities constitute a serious danger to
the society and public health. He will be prosecuted at the Federal High Court
as soon as investigation is concluded.
“Mr Chisom Onwudinjo
is the main counterfeiter of the Codeine containing Cough Syrup and he is
hereby declared wanted. Handsome reward awaits any useful information that can
lead to his arrest, “ he said.
The director general.
Also announced the arrest of one Mr Onyekachi Okafor for alleged distribution
and sale of counterfeit Renew Cold Water Starch.
He said that Okafor
was arrested in Aba and he had admitted that the consignment was counterfeited
in China and supplied to Mr Arinze Asomnanya.
According to him,
appropriate international partners have been contacted for necessary action.
“Okafor and Asomnanya
will be arraigned at the Federal High Court, Umuahia,” he said.
Orhii said that
another suspect, Mr. Victor Okeke Ebuka was arrested for allegedly selling
expired products, particularly food condiments which included expired Maggi
Arome seasoning, Amoy Soy Sauce, Dark and Superior Soy Sauce.
“`The Maggi Arome
which expired in August 2014 with the following markings- Man: 15/08/2011,
Expiry: 15/08/2014 was being re-labelled as Man: 10/10/2013 and the Expiry: 10/10/2016.
“While the Amoy Soy
Sauce has been re-labelled with Best Before January 2018.
“The suspect is being
interrogated and he is helping investigators with useful information about his
nefarious activities.
He added that the
estimated cost of the counterfeit products evacuated is worth N15 million and
that the suspect would be arraign at the Federal High Court, Lagos
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