The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested six persons and sealed several shops in Sabon Gari Market in Kano, over illegal sale of harmful skin bleaching creams.
Kano State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Kasim Ibrahim said the raid followed numerous public complaints received via social media, as well as a directive from the Agency’s Director General.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kano on Tuesday, Ibrahim said; “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”.
He said NAFDAC’s investigation uncovered six suspects involved in the distribution and unregulated use of bleaching creams.
Offering insights on the operation, which he described as ‘highly successful’ Ibrahim said; “The products were allegedly marketed as beauty spa treatments but contained harmful and unapproved substances.
“After thorough analysis and robust discussions, we identified approximately six individuals involved in these illegal activities.”
Conducted in collaboration with NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, the raid led to the arrest of suspects, sealing of affected shops, and collection of product samples for laboratory analysis.
Additionally, several companies faking registered cosmetics or violating NAFDAC’s regulatory provisions were also shut down pending further investigation.
The Coordinator urged members of the public to always remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the Agency.
