By Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a warehouse in Kaduna State allegedly used to distribute expired non-alcoholic beverages worth an estimated N35 million.
The discovery, confirmed by Andrew Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Kaduna, following a tip-off from a concerned citizen.
NAFDAC operatives, acting on the information, intercepted two buses and a Golf wagon loaded with expired products en route to Kwanar Dangora in the Kiru LGA of Kano State.
Tamanuwa told journalists on Tuesday that the intercepted beverages included 700 packs of Schweppes and 300 packs of Fanta Orange, all of which were past their expiry dates.
The vehicles were reportedly tracked and stopped before they could reach their intended distribution point in Kano.
Following the seizure, the operatives traced the source of the consignment to a warehouse in Kaduna, where more expired products were discovered and evacuated.
Tamanuwa confirmed that the owner of the expired beverages was arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.
He added that the investigation further uncovered a warehouse on Bayajidda Road in Kaduna, where additional expired beverages were found.
According to Tamanuwa, the seized items included 588 packs of Schweppes, 3,508 packs of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and 87 packs of Fanta Orange.
He noted that the products had expired in November 2024 and were subsequently moved to the agency’s warehouse, pending destruction.
Tamanuwa confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the case.
He urged the public to report any suspicious products, especially during the festive season, to help protect public health and ensure consumer safety.
Tamanuwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to remaining vigilant against expired and harmful products, assuring Nigerians of its dedication to safeguarding their health.
