The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed off four warehouses and seized banned chemicals worth N560 million in Kano metropolis. 

The agency arrested two persons over the alleged illegal storage, distribution and sale of banned chemicals in the state. Emmanuel Andrew, leading NAFDAC’s investigations, said this on Thursday in Kano. He said the exercise aimed at enforcing the ban on Paraeforce, popularly known as Paraquat.

Mr Andrew said the agency banned the importation, distribution, and use of Paraeforce-based products in 2022 because of their toxic effects on human health and the environment.

He said exposure to the chemical could cause respiratory and cardiac failure, as well as other serious health complications, including Parkinson’s disease.

According to Mr Andrew, Paraeforce stays in the soil and affects the environment, particularly water, posing environmental and public health risks.

Mr Andrew said the agency began enforcing the ban in January 2024, adding that the quantity of prohibited products discovered during the operation was alarming. He said the inspection team visited over 10 warehouses and discovered suspected illegal products in the facilities.

“We sealed a warehouse at Panisau, where controlled chemicals suspected to be used in the production of illicit drugs were discovered. At Jaba, another house allegedly used for illegal manufacturing and repackaging of chemicals, was also sealed,” he said. 

Mr Andrew said the operators used cartons of chemicals from another company from Lagos and Niger Republic, adding that a sealing machine and other packaging materials were also recovered. He said enforcement activities would continue until all illegal stock was evacuated.

The director said the team sealed a warehouse and arrested two people, including the owner, after discovering 2,983 cartons of Paraeforce products valued at over N200 million.

“In another warehouse, the team discovered over 8,000 cartons of Crownquat, another Paraquat-based product containing 2.76 grammes of Paraquat dichloride worth over N360 million, and another product banned by NAFDAC, Chlopyrifos.

 “The warehouses have been sealed. The agency will invite the owners for further investigation,” he said.

Mr Andrew said the agency also seized 183 cartons of unregistered Dynewell syrup imported from Ghana, later discovered in an unfinished building in the Sharada area of Kano metropolis.

(NAN)