The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a syndicate engaged in the illicit importation of banned Crusader soaps containing mercury into Nigeria.
NAFDAC disclosed that it recently seized three trailer-loads of imported Crusader medicated soap and Mekako soap, totaling 4,000 cartons, from the syndicate’s warehouse in the Trade Fair Market. The estimated value of the seized products is approximately N1 billion….CONTINUE READING
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, made this announcement during a press briefing in Lagos. She revealed that laboratory analysis of a product sample confirmed the presence of heavy metals, specifically mercury.
Adeyeye emphasized the global concern regarding the use of mercury in cosmetics due to the health and environmental risks it poses.
According to Adeyeye, the syndicate utilized counterfeit customs documents to smuggle the banned Crusader soap into Nigeria.
She explained that these products had made their way into various supermarkets and cosmetic shops, deceiving unsuspecting consumers.
The Director General further disclosed that NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate had uncovered the syndicate’s operations, which had attempted to relocate the soap consignments within Lagos on three previous occasions to evade detection. Several suspects associated with the case were arrested.
Adeyeye reiterated that this act constituted a clear violation of NAFDAC’s regulations, including the Cosmetic Products (Prohibition of Bleaching Agents) Regulations 2019.
The arrested individuals would face legal charges, and NAFDAC is intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate who are currently evading capture.
