Fake Izal: NAFDAC Nabs Trader In Abakiliki

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Ebonyi has arrested one Chibueze Onukwe for allegedly marketing fake Izal germicide in Abakaliki markets.

The NAFDAC Coordinator in the state, Mr Richard Anichukwu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Thursday that Onukwe was arrested following a tip-off from patriotic citizens.

“The suspect was arrested with 285 bottles of the 150m fake product; he sells them at the cost of N150 instead of the original price of N400.

“We want to alert the public that the original product has distinctive signs which include conspicuous printing on the packet, smaller message logo font, NAFDAC number printed on the package and heavy odour, among others.”

Anichukwu advised the public to look our for these features before buying the product.

He said the suspect, who was a mason before venturing into the trade, connived with the manufacturer to produce the germicide in large quantities.

“We will transfer the suspect to our enforcement unit for prosecution while efforts will be intensified to apprehend the suspected manufacturer”

The NAFDAC coordinator also notified the public of the infiltration of fake Piriton drug into the markets by suspected fake dealers.

“A man simply identified as Jerry bought five packets of the product from Onitsha and sold it to one woman residing in Abakaliki.

“The woman who always tastes the product before giving it to her babies discovered that it did not have the original taste and returned it to Jerry, who brought it to NAFDAC.

“We requested for the receipt and the receipt he brought bore the name of a tranport company without any information on it.”

Anichukwu noted that the original product was unscrewed on its cap as against the fake one and warned the public to search for the sign while purchasing the product.

“We will intensity efforts to arrest all those involved in the deadly racket and reiterate our resolve to rid the state of fake drugs and chemical products.”

Onukwe later told NAN that he purchased the Izal from Aba in Abia and ventured into the trade because he could not meet up with his family demands as a mason.

“I did not know that the product is fake, as I don’t have any knowledge of drug practice,” the suspect said.

NAN learnt that Onukwe attempted to escape from NAFDAC custody but was apprehended by a security official who sustained injuries while pursuing him.