NAFDAC seals contraband tomato paste distribution outlet in Port Harcourt

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control on Thursday, May 18, sealed a warehouse where imported contraband tomato paste are stored for distribution.

Mr. Adeniran Kazeem, NAFDAC’s Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer, also confirmed the arrest of Mr Obiora John, the Managing Director of Integrated Wholesales Services Limited in Trans-Amadi Layout who allegedly imported and distributed contraband tomato paste which is on the federal government’s list of contraband importation products in the country.

Obiora John allegedly removed the seal placed on his facility by the agency in November 2022. He said;

“Upon our interrogation, we noticed that the company removed the agency seal placed at the facility in November 2022 without the agency’s approval.

“The company’s accountant told us that the company had stopped the importation and distribution of contraband tomato paste since 2020, but we found out that the imported tomato paste seen at the facility was manufactured in 2022.

“We also found out from the company’s records that there have been importation and distribution of the products to date.”

Kazeem said the agency’s aim of raiding and sealing contraband drinks and food distribution companies in the country was to promote, encourage and create an enabling environment for local manufacturers.

Members of the public have been asked to stop patronizing the distributors of imported contraband products in stores and open market. Kazeem added that the agency would curb the importation of illicit and contraband products into the country to save the economy.