NAFDAC has arrested six suspects over sale of illegal bleaching cream in Kano state
GoldenNewsNg reports that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested six suspects and sealed several shops in the Sabon Gari area of Kano State for the illegal sale and distribution of unapproved skin-bleaching creams.
The development was announced by Kano State NAFDAC Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, during a press briefing held in Kano on Tuesday.
According to him, the enforcement action followed complaints received on social media and a directive from the agency’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye.
“Following complaints received through various social media channels and a directive from the Director-General, we carried out discreet surveillance and mystery shopping on the products in question,” Ibrahim said.
The agency’s investigation revealed that the creams were marketed under the guise of beauty spa treatments but contained harmful and unapproved substances. Ibrahim confirmed that six individuals were identified and arrested in connection with the illegal activity.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, involved profiling products, collecting samples for laboratory analysis, and sealing all affected shops.
He added that other companies found to be faking registered cosmetics or violating regulatory standards were also shut down pending further investigation.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to its core mandate of regulating the production, distribution, and sale of consumables and cosmetics in the interest of public health.
“It is in fulfilment of this mandate that we took action to prevent potential public health disasters. These criminal activities posed serious threats to public safety,” Ibrahim said.
He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or practices to the agency, urging the public to support NAFDAC’s efforts in protecting public health.
“If you see something, say something,” he added.
Ibrahim also thanked the media for their continued cooperation and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strict enforcement of health and safety regulations across Nigeria.
