NAFDAC has sealed several shops and apprehended six individuals for the unlawful sale of skin-bleaching creams in Kano.

NAFDAC Headquarters, Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken action against six individuals and closed multiple shops in Sabon Gari, Kano State, due to their involvement in the illegal sale of skin-bleaching creams.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Mr. Kasim Ibrahim, the Kano State Coordinator of NAFDAC, made this announcement.

He stated that the enforcement operation was initiated following public complaints received via social media and a subsequent order from the agency's Director-General.

"After receiving complaints through various social media platforms and a directive from the Director-General, we conducted discreet surveillance and mystery shopping regarding the products in question," Ibrahim explained.

He further elaborated that investigations indicated the suspects were promoting the unapproved creams as spa treatments, despite their harmful ingredients.

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"Following comprehensive analysis and extensive discussions, we identified around six individuals engaged in these illegal activities," he added.

The raid, executed in partnership with NAFDAC's Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, led to arrests, product profiling, sample collection for laboratory analysis, and the sealing of the shops involved.

Ibrahim mentioned that other companies found to be producing counterfeit or unregistered cosmetics were also closed down pending further regulatory measures.

"This is part of our mandate to prevent the distribution of unsafe products and safeguard public health," he stated. "These activities posed significant risks to consumers, and we had to intervene to avert a potential health crisis.