Men Who Produces Fake Derica Tomato Paste, Maxiquine Syrup Has Been Apprehended By NAFDAC

Paul Orhii

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Friday said it had arrested five suspects for alleged sale of expired products.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Paul Orhii, who was represented by Kingsley Ejiofor, Head of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, made the disclosure in Lagos.
 
He told a news conference that the suspects were arrested following an intelligence report weeks ago.

According to him, one Charles Onyekachi was arrested for an alleged counterfeiting of Derica Tomato paste, adding that the product was discovered in Kano and traced to Lagos.

“Onyekachi imported 1x20ft. container from China and shipped to Cotonou, Benin Republic from where it was transported to Kano.

“He has registered products with the agency among which is the Tomatoes paste.

“He now sells his registered brand along with the counterfeit to discredit the popular Derica Tomatoes Paste with an intent to gain market space.

“The quantity and value of the counterfeit released into the market is four times that of his own brand. The counterfeit product is worth N8 million.

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

He also disclosed the agency also arrested two suspects, Tochukwu Ozala and Obiora Ochuba for production, distribution and sale of counterfeit Maxiquine Syrup.