NAFDAC raids Trade Fair Complex, seizes fake drugs, cosmetics

BY IFEOMA IKEM

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) raided some shops at the International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos for dealing in suspected fake drugs.

The enforcement team of the agency who raided the shop, discovered suspected fake drugs  and unregistered Q7 Beauty Range products.

The products included Q7 Gold Whitening Serum Strong Treatment Carrot Extracts, Q7 Whitening Soap, Q7 Carrot Milk Active Whitening Serum.

Chief Regulatory Officer Enforcement Directorate, Mr Idowu Joseph , said we went to the Trade Fair Complex to remove some suspected fake Q7 range of products.

He said, “We had to open the shops by force because by the rule of NAFDAC, when you reasonably suspect, you can open by force.

“We then proceeded to their main shop where we saw one piece of Q7 soap.
These products were suspected because a brand of it was registered with NAFDAC; these ones do not have NAFDAC numbers and that is why we suspect that they are fake.

“This is just the beginning of the investigation; the owners of the shop have been invited to the office, when they come, we will interview them to find out how they got their products.

“Subsequently, we will send the products to the laboratory for analysis to determine whether it will pass all standard requirements for human use. The outcome of the laboratory result will determine the next step,” he explained.

He disclosed that following the petition of the original brand owners of the products, NAFDAC would continue to mop up the products anywhere it was found.

On the health implications of the products, Joseph who regretted that the products could be injurious to health said: “Any product registered and tested by NAFDAC has been certified to be fit for consumers.  These products contain injurious substances that are harmful to the skin; and if allowed into the market people will be buying products that can cause health hazards.

He disclosed that the operation succeeded in getting about 40 cartons from the shops in two different plazas in the market.

Mr Omoyeni Babatunji, Chief Regulatory Officer, NAFDAC  said that the choice of the Trade Fair Complex for this particular operation was strategic.

“The Trade Fair Complex is so strategic in cosmetic distribution as importers and retailers can easily bring in goods from the land border provided they pay their duties,” he added.