The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested six people for distributing unapproved skin-bleaching creams and sealed several shops in the Sabon Gari area of Kano State.
Kano State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr. Kasim Ibrahim, disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday. He said the operation was prompted by reports received via social media and a directive from the agency’s Director-General.
“Following complaints received through various social media channels and a directive from the director-general, we carried out discreet surveillance and mystery shopping on the products in question,” Ibrahim said.
According to him, the agency’s investigation led to the arrest of six suspects involved in the sale and distribution of the illegal products. “The products were allegedly marketed as beauty spa treatments but contained harmful and unapproved substances,” he explained.
“After thorough analysis and robust discussions, we identified approximately six individuals involved in these illegal activities,” he added.
The raid, carried out in collaboration with NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, also led to the profiling of the products, collection of samples for laboratory analysis, and the sealing of shops where the items were found.
Ibrahim further said other outlets discovered to be faking registered cosmetics or operating in violation of regulatory provisions were also sealed pending further investigations.
“It is in fulfilment of this mandate that we took action to prevent potential public health disasters of significant magnitude. These criminal activities posed serious threats to public safety,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to be alert and report any suspicious activities to NAFDAC. “We encourage all Nigerians, if you see something, say something, to help prevent public health emergencies,” he said, reaffirming the agency’s commitment under the leadership of Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
Ibrahim also thanked members of the press for their continued support and reiterated NAFDAC’s mission to protect the health and well-being of Nigerians.
NAN
