The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has sealed four warehouses in Kano State and seized prohibited chemicals valued at about ₦560 million.
The seizure came during an enforcement operation targeting the illegal storage, distribution and sale of banned substances.
The agency also arrested two persons, including the owner of one of the warehouses, over their alleged involvement in the illegal handling of the prohibited chemicals.
Mr Emmanuel Andrew, Deputy Director, Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, disclosed this on Thursday during an enforcement operation in Kano metropolis.
Andrew said the operation was specifically aimed at enforcing the ban on Paraeforce, popularly known as Paraquat. The agency has prohibited the importation, distribution and use of the highly toxic chemical.
He explained that NAFDAC banned the importation, distribution and use of Paraeforce-based products in 2022 because of their dangerous effects on human health and the environment.
According to him, exposure to the chemical could cause respiratory and cardiac failure, as well as other serious health complications, including Parkinson’s disease.
He further warned that Paraeforce stays in the soil for extended periods and can contaminate water sources. This creates serious environmental and public health risks.
Andrew disclosed that the agency began enforcing the ban in January 2024. He described the quantity of prohibited products uncovered in the latest operation as alarming.
He said the enforcement team inspected more than 10 warehouses and other facilities across Kano metropolis. They uncovered suspected illegal stocks and facilities allegedly being used for unauthorised chemical production and repackaging.
Giving details of the discoveries, Andrew said NAFDAC sealed a warehouse at Panisau after finding controlled chemicals suspected to be used in the production of illicit drugs.
He added that another building at Jaba was sealed after it was allegedly found to be used for the illegal manufacture and repackaging of chemicals.
According to him, operators of the facility were using cartons of chemicals sourced from another company in Lagos and the Niger Republic. A sealing machine and other packaging materials were also recovered during the operation.
Andrew said the agency would continue its enforcement activities until all illegal stocks were evacuated and the facilities involved were properly investigated.
In another major discovery, the NAFDAC official said the team sealed a warehouse and arrested two persons, including its owner. This followed the discovery of 2,983 cartons of Paraeforce products valued at more than ₦200 million.
He disclosed that the operation also led to the discovery of more than 8,000 cartons of Crownquat, another Paraquat-based product containing 2.76 grammes of Paraquat dichloride. Its estimated value exceeds ₦360 million.
The team also discovered Chlopyrifos, another chemical reportedly banned by NAFDAC.
“The warehouses have been sealed. The agency will invite the owners for further investigation,” Andrew said.
The agency further uncovered 183 cartons of unregistered Dynewell syrup imported from Ghana.
Andrew said the products were found inside an uncompleted building in the Sharada area of Kano metropolis and were seized by the enforcement team.
He urged Nigerians to desist from buying, using, storing or distributing chemicals prohibited by the agency. He warned that exposure to Paraquat could be fatal.
The NAFDAC official stressed that there is no known antidote for Paraquat poisoning. This makes the continued circulation and use of the chemical particularly dangerous.
He assured Nigerians that the agency would sustain its enforcement operations across the country to prevent the circulation of prohibited chemicals and safeguard public health and the environment.
