By Uzair Adam Imam
NAFDAC on Thursday uncovered a network of counterfeit goods being sold in Abuja, culminating in raids at Sahad Stores and H-Medix outlets.
The simultaneous raids across the capital city led to the confiscation of fake cosmetics and drugs.At Sahad Stores, renowned for its supermarket chain, authorities seized counterfeit products.
Meanwhile, at H-Medix outlets in Wuse 2 and Gwarinpa, as well as the Utako market, counterfeit cosmetics and medications were confiscated.
Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, the NAFDAC Head of Investigation and Enforcement/Federal Taskforce, FCT, Abuja, highlighted the extensive nature of the operation.
In addition to the raids in Abuja, similar crackdowns were carried out in Kugbo market in Nyanya and the Mararaba area in Nasarawa State earlier in the week.
Godiya expressed shock at the discovery of substandard products masquerading as reputable brands, such as purported NIVEA creams.
These counterfeit items, despite their inferior quality, were being sold at higher prices than genuine NAFDAC-approved products, illustrating the extent of criminal activity in the market.
The seized goods, including fake NIVEA products, cosmetics, and household items like Jik bleach, Harpic toilet cleaner, and Airwick room fresheners, amounted to a staggering total value of N50 million.
NAFDAC’s rigorous enforcement efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and combating the proliferation of counterfeit goods.