The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized “counterfeit rice” worth ₦5bn in Nasarawa State.
This was contained in a statement by the agency on Friday. NAFDAC said the move resulted in the seizure of over 1,600 bags of rice.
“In a major operation, NAFDAC has shut down eight rice shops and a warehouse in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The facilities were implicated in producing and distributing counterfeit rice, leading to the seizure of over 1,600 bags worth approximately ₦5 billion,” the agency said according to the statement posted on its X handle.
In a major operation, NAFDAC has shut down eight rice shops and a warehouse in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The facilities were implicated in producing and distributing counterfeit rice, leading to the seizure of over 1,600 bags worth approximately ₦5 billion. pic.twitter.com/KknkXv2Dns
— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) December 20, 2024
NAFDAC said the raid “extended to Wuse and Garki markets in Abuja, following a directive from the @DGatNAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to safeguard public health during the festive season.
“The operation uncovered counterfeit rice repackaged in branded bags such as Big Bull, Royal Stallion, and Tomato Aposo, which aimed at deceiving unsuspecting consumers.Empty rice bags bearing popular brand names were also discovered at the Karu facility.”
Following the raid, the NAFDAC Director in charge of the FCT Kenneth Azikiwe “warned counterfeiters to desist from such practices or face legal consequences, adding that suspects apprehended during the raid would be prosecuted to deter others,” the statement read.
NAN
