The discovery, confirmed by Andrew Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of NAFDAC's Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Kaduna, came after an Intel from a concerned citizen.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has discovered a warehouse in Kaduna State allegedly used to distribute expired non-alcoholic beverages worth an estimated N35million.
The discovery, confirmed by Andrew Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of NAFDAC's Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Kaduna, followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen.
Based on the intel, operatives we're able to intercept two buses and a Golf wagon full packed with expired products en route to Kwanar Dangora in the Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.
Tamanuwa told journalists on Tuesday that the intercepted beverages included 700 packs of Schweppes and 300 packs of Fanta Orange, all of which were past their expiry dates.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the vehicles were reportedly tracked and stopped before they could reach their destination, the distribution point in Kano.
Following the seizure, the operatives traced the source of the consignment to a warehouse in Kaduna, where more expired products were discovered and evacuated.
Tamanuwa confirmed that the owner of the expired beverages was arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.
Additionally, he stated that the investigation further uncovered a warehouse on Bayajidda Road in Kaduna, where additional expired beverages were found.
Following the report of Tamanuwa, the seized items included 588 packs of Schweppes, 3,508 packs of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and 87 packs of Fanta Orange.
He noted that the products had since expired in November 2024 and were thereafter moved to the agency’s warehouse, awaiting destruction.
It was affirmed by Tamanuwa that investigations are currently in progress on to identify other individuals connected to the case.
He encouraged the public to report any suspicious products, especially during the festive season, to help protect and preserve public health and ensure consumer safety.
Tamanuwa reconfirmed the agency’s commitment to remaining watchful against expired and harmful products, assuring Nigerians of its dedication to safeguarding their health.