The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed a factory and eight stores in Nasarawa State for packaging and distributing counterfeit rice worth ₦5 billion.
The operation, which began on December 19, targeted Ninjur Ventures on Abacha Road in Karu, Nasarawa State.
The facility, located behind a residential structure, was revealed to be making phoney rice under famous brand names such as Royal Stallion, Big Bull, Mama’s Choice, Optimum, and Ultimate Gold.
During the raid, NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Task Force confiscated 1,600 bags of counterfeit rice weighing 25kg and 50kg, as well as empty branded sacks.
Gift Thomas, a manufacturing employee, was arrested during the NAFDAC raid. Thomas denied any participation, stating that the branded bags came elsewhere and that production activities had ended on December 17.
However, the evidence contradicted her statements.
The factory’s owner, Eze Dike, was not present during the NAFDAC raid. Eight other businesses on Old Karu Road were also blocked, and two shop owners were detained for their involvement in the unlawful activity.
Kenneth Azikiwe, NAFDAC’s Director for the Federal Capital Territory, indicated that the operation is part of a larger mandate from the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to eradicate counterfeit food goods and protect public safety throughout the festive season.
Azikiwe outlined NAFDAC’s zero-tolerance policy:
“We implement zero tolerance to counterfeiting and faking, ensuring only safe, good-quality food products are available to Nigerians during this yuletide season and beyond.”
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cc: Daily Post Ng
