The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested six individuals and sealed several shops in Sabon Gari, Kano, following a coordinated raid on the illegal sale and administration of skin bleaching creams.
Kano State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr Kasim Ibrahim, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kano.
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He said the operation followed public complaints received via social media and a directive from the agency’s Director General.
“Following complaints received through various social media channels and directives from the Director General, we conducted discreet surveillance and mystery shopping of the products in question,”
The Coordinator explained that the agency’s investigation uncovered the involvement of six suspects engaged in the distribution and unregulated use of bleaching creams.
He said products were allegedly marketed as beauty spa treatments but contained dangerous and unapproved substances.
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“After thorough analysis and robust discussions, we identified approximately six individuals involved in these illegal activities,”
The raid, which was carried out in collaboration with the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC, led to the arrest of the suspects, profiling of their products, sample collection for laboratory analysis, and the sealing of the affected shops.
He added that other companies found to be faking registered cosmetics or violating other regulatory provisions were also sealed pending further action.
NAFDAC further reiterated its regulatory mandate to control the manufacture, distribution, and sale of regulated products, including cosmetics, to safeguard public health.
“It is in fulfilment of this mandate that we acted to prevent potential public health disasters of significant magnitude.These criminal activities posed serious threats to public safety,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the agency, emphasising NAFDAC’s commitment under the leadership of Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to enforce regulations strictly.
“We encourage all Nigerians: whenever you see something, say something, to help prevent public health emergencies,”