NAFDAC Busts Major Fake Toothpaste Syndicate, Seizes Counterfeit Products Imported from China
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on counterfeit products, uncovering a major fake toothpaste distribution network linked to imports from China.
The coordinated enforcement operations resulted in the seizure of hundreds of cartons of falsified oral care products in Kano and Sokoto states.
Operatives of the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, acting on intelligence, raided Sabon Gari Market in Kano where one Adda’u Ismail Isah was arrested.
During the operation, officials recovered 10 cartons of Xtrene Activated Charcoal Whitening Boost toothpaste, three packets of VigorDoctor Charcoal Powder, three packets of Kids Vigor Doctor New Formula, three packets of Bestever Signal Cavity Fighter and quantities of Craote 7.5% Nhap toothpaste.
Further investigations led operatives to Sokoto where Mr Anas Ishaka of A.S Assada Investment Company Limited was arrested.
A search of his shop and warehouses uncovered 75 cartons of Xtrene Activated Charcoal Whitening Boost, 33 cartons of Claso-up toothpaste, 131 cartons of Duarbar Herb’l toothpaste, nine cartons of Senceoyne, 31 cartons of Creesst Black toothpaste, 55 cartons of Orell-B Pro-Expert, 79 cartons of PRO Complete, Mild and Clinic toothpaste, and 70 cartons of Oracire+ toothpaste.
The development was contained in a document made available to ThelensNG by the Head, Public Relations Unit of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Victoria Akudu on Thursday.
According to the document, investigations revealed that Isah identified Ishaka as his supplier, prompting a follow-up operation in Sokoto where more counterfeit products were uncovered.
“Mr Anas Ishaka has admitted that he is the owner of the counterfeit products and that he imports them from China. Investigation is ongoing and further regulatory sanctions will be carried out as soon as investigation is concluded.”
NAFDAC urged members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing consumer products and advised anyone with doubts about the authenticity of any product to contact the nearest NAFDAC office or use the agency’s official channels for prompt action.
