Rivers State Hit By Fake Rice Scandal As NAFDAC Dismantles Major Distribution Network

In a statement shared on its official social media pages on Thursday, NAFDAC revealed that the operation was carried out in collaboration with the producers of Big Bull Rice. The raid targeted shops in the Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1 markets in Port Harcourt, uncovering widespread distribution of counterfeit Big Bull Rice.

A shop on the YKC axis of Woji was identified as a major hub for the fraudulent rice.

During the operation, officials discovered numerous empty counterfeit Big Bull Rice bags, as well as bags from other brands, including Cap Rice, Stallion Rice, Tomato Rice, and Mama Pride. A saleswoman, Ogechi Okafor, was arrested at the scene.

The operation also recovered a variety of equipment from the shop, including sewing and sealing machines, a generator, a stove, thread, and several bags of counterfeit rice.

Rivers State Coordinator for NAFDAC, Emmanuel Onogwu, highlighted key features that distinguish authentic Big Bull Rice from counterfeit products, such as a shiny ribbon along the top thread, higher quality bags, and a genuine logo. He also warned that rebagged rice often comes from dubious sources and may contain harmful chemicals.

NAFDAC reported that over 120 counterfeit rice bags were seized from more than 10 shops and have been sent to the NAFDAC Zonal Office for further testing.