The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated cartons of aphrodisiac products and sex enhancement drugs valued at N12 million in Sokoto.
This was announced by NAFDAC’s Coordinator in the state, Garba Adamu, during a briefing with Newsmen on Monday.
According to Mr. Adamu, the agency’s patrol team carried out the seizures during their routine patrol operations across various markets in Sokoto and its surrounding areas.
He highlighted that these products were unregistered and posed significant health risks due to the dangerous ingredients used in their preparation.
Additionally, he pointed out that the packaging of these products often featured explicit pornographic images, which he described as an eyesore.
Mr. Adamu urged the public to refrain from purchasing such products from unlicensed vendors. Instead, he advised that consumers should only buy registered and safe products from licensed outlets.
“We also call on the general public to always report hawkers and dealers of such products to NAFDAC, as well as report any adverse reactions they may experience from taking these or any other regulated products,” he said.
Mr. Adamu also raised concerns about the practice of some marketers dumping expired or near-expiry products in markets in Sokoto and its environs.
He noted that these products are often sold in border markets and rural areas, posing additional health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
He issued a stern warning to traders against selling adulterated, counterfeit, unregistered, and expired goods to the public, reiterating that NAFDAC would persist in its enforcement efforts.
The coordinator mentioned that the agency’s operations also extended to agrochemical and cosmetic stores as part of its broader mission to ensure that only quality and approved products are available in the markets.
He advised Nigerians to always check the NAFDAC registration numbers, as well as the manufacturing and expiry dates of items before using them.
Mr. Adamu expressed gratitude to sister agencies, law enforcement bodies, traders’ associations, individuals, and groups for their support in helping NAFDAC safeguard public health.
