NAFDAC seizes banned agrochemicals worth N20m in Sokoto markets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has seized “substandard, falsified, and banned” agrochemicals worth over N20 million in Sokoto markets.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said it also arrested four suspects, adding that the operation was conducted by the investigation and enforcement/federal task force on fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods.

NAFDAC said it confiscated several cartons of Endocoton Super, containing banned paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide dangerous to human health and the environment.

The agency said its operatives raided key markets in Sokoto, including Old market, Kara market, and Central market,” the statement reads.

“Additionally, the raid resulted in the seizure of 2,096 cartons of SF MOE soap and 223 cartons of SF Oxxo Purest soap.

“Several unregistered herbal preparations with pornographic pictorials, posing a notable risk to public health, were also removed.

“Those arrested are under investigation, and the confiscated products will be processed according to regulations for substandard and falsified products.

“NAFDAC reaffirms its ban on paraquat agrochemicals and vows to enforce this ban rigorously.

“The agency urges the public to report suspicious activities or products to the nearest NAFDAC office to help combat the distribution of dangerous and illegal products.”