The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a large-scale counterfeit operation in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos, involving fake chemicals, expired food flavourings, unauthorized fertilizers, and improperly repackaged pharmaceutical raw materials valued at over ₦1 billion.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the agency confirmed the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses storing hazardous substances during the recent enforcement operation.

Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, explained that the raid was based on credible intelligence linking the suspects to a criminal syndicate engaged in the counterfeiting of food and chemical products on a massive scale.

He warned that the use of expired chemicals in food and drug production poses severe health risks, noting:
"These chemicals are either used directly in consumables or as precursors. Using expired ones compromises safety and efficacy, endangering public health."

Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research at the agency, listed some of the recovered items, including expired food flavours, roasted meat products (beef and chicken), Chinook seasoning, tiger nuts, and pharmaceutical ingredients like metronidazole benzoate.