By Ono Yima
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted and uncovered expired non-alcoholic beverages valued at N35 million in Kaduna State, reports News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Kaduna, Andrew Tamanuwa, Deputy Director, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate at the NAFDAC Kaduna Office, disclosed that the interception followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen.
According to Tamanuwa, the informant alerted NAFDAC on Sunday evening about two buses and a golf wagon loaded with expired beverages heading toward Kwanar Dangora in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.
“Upon receiving the tip, our investigation and enforcement operatives acted swiftly. The vehicles were intercepted, and the owner of the expired beverages was arrested,” Tamanuwa stated.
The initial confiscation included 700 packs of Schweppes and 300 packs of Fanta Orange flavor. However, further investigation led operatives to a warehouse on Bayajidda Road, Kaduna, where even more expired products were discovered.
The warehouse contained 588 packs of Schweppes, 3,508 packs of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and 87 packs of Fanta Orange flavor.
Tamanuwa noted that the beverages had expired in November 2024. All confiscated products have been moved to NAFDAC’s facility and are awaiting safe destruction.
He emphasized that investigations are still ongoing to uncover any other individuals or networks involved in the illicit distribution of expired goods.
“We appeal to the public to report suspicious products, especially during the festive period, to help safeguard public health,” he urged.
Tamanuwa reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting Nigerians against expired and harmful products. “We remain vigilant in our duty and will continue to ensure that unsafe products are removed from circulation,” he said.