The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Friday said it has arrested five suspects involved in the sale and circulation of various brands of expired products.

The disclosure was made by Kingsley Ejiofor, head of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Lagos while addressing pressmen.

Ejiofor said the suspects, who were arrested after the agency received intelligence reports from citizens, were actively involved in the sale and circulation of expired products across the country.

He said that although investigations were still at an early stage, the agency had been able to establish enough evidence against the suspects to warrant their arraignment in court.

He said that one Charles Onyekachi, was arrested for an allegedly counterfeiting Derica Tomato paste, which he sold in parts of Kano.

The paste was said to have been imported from China via Cotonou, Benin Republic from where it was transported to Kano.

“The quantity and value of the counterfeit released into the market is four times that of his own brand. The counterfeit product is worth N8m.

A criminal charge has been filed against him at the Federal High Court, Lagos,” Ejiofor said.

Two other suspects, Tochukwu Ozala and Obiora Ochuba were arrested for the illegal production, distribution and sale of counterfeit Maxiquine Syrup.

“On February 12, the same Ozala was arrested for counterfeiting of a popular brand of Codeine containing Cough Syrup.

The first case is still being investigated when he committed this,” he said.

The agency also said it had arrested one Onyekachi Okafor in Aba, who allegedly distributed counterfeit Renew Cold Water Starch.

The last suspect, Victor Okeke Ebuka, was arrested for allegedly selling expired food condiments which included Maggi Aroma seasoning, Superior Soy Sauce and Amoy Soy Sauce.