EXPOSED: Man imports fake materials as Bibles

The fake packaging materials

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has impounded a 40-feet container laden with fake packaging materials for various brands of cosmetics.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the consignment was registered as Bibles, but when the container was searched, the fake goods were found.

Director-General of the agency, Dr. Paul Orhii, said the seizure was evidence that counterfeiters were beginning to change their strategies.

He said, “On November 26, 2013, NAFDAC officers at SCOA Port Terminal, Lagos State, intercepted a 40-feet container of Bibles, electrical materials, plumbing items and flower vase. But on inspection, it was discovered to be 58 cartons of concealed printed plastic packaging materials for various brands of cosmetics.

“The importer, John Dike Ventures, imported empty printed plastic containers for beauty fair cream, body care lotion, skin beauty and air freshener with the intention of faking the original products which were registered by NAFDAC for other companies.

“The market value of the consignment is estimated to be N5.6m. If you want to fake cosmetics and you use the Bible to conceal it, definitely, God will expose you.”

Meanwhile, the agency also arrested a Lebanese national for the sale and distribution of various range of unregistered cosmetic products.

Orhii said the suspect, Haider Saleh, was arrested at the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State, following a tip off.

He said, “Operatives of NAFDAC raided Kamthak Ventures Limited warehouse at Atiku Abubakar Hall, Trade Fair Complex. We recovered 853 cartons of Smart Collections spray, 1004 cartons of Pearl Beauty Soap, 531 cartons of Wright Traditional Soap, 490 cartons of Cidal Antiseptic Soap, 12 cartons of Dove range of beauty soaps.

“Also, 1099 cartons of Vaseline, 140 rolls of Sure Cool Pink, 151 cartons of Tango Water Renyah, 253 packets of Smart Collection perfume and 253 packets of Sure. Meanwhile, one Ikechukwu Okafor, who claimed to be the import manager, was also interrogated and the products are being sampled for analysis.”

Orhii, who called for stiffer penalties for drug counterfeiters, urged members of the public to continue to provide the agency with information that would lead to more arrests.

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