NAFDAC Uncovers Fake Rice Distributor in Rivers

During a recent operation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized large quantities of counterfeit rice.
In a statement released Thursday via its official social media accounts, NAFDAC detailed this development and included images and videos.
According to the statement, NAFDAC, working with Big Bull Rice’s manufacturers, raided stores in Port Harcourt’s Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1 markets and discovered widespread sales of fake Big Bull rice.
One of the main distribution hubs for the fake rice was found to be a store on Woji’s YKC axis.

During the operation, officials found a considerable quantity of empty counterfeit Big Bull Rice bags, as well as bags from other rice brands, including Cap Rice, Stallion Rice, Tomato Rice, and Mama Pride, as indicated in the statement.

According to the release, Ogechi Okafor, a salesperson, was taken into custody at the scene.

It also revealed that many bags of rebagged rice, a stove, a generator, sewing and sealing equipment, and thread were among the things taken from the store.
Emmanuel Onogwu, NAFDAC’s Rivers State Coordinator, highlighted in the announcement the unique qualities that differentiate real Big Bull Rice from fake goods. These characteristics include superior quality bags, an authentic brand, and a distinctive glossy ribbon along the threaded top.

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Rebagged rice often comes from questionable sources and may be treated with dangerous chemicals to enhance its appearance, Onogwu said.

According to the agency, more than 120 fake rice bags were seized from more than ten different stores and taken to the NAFDAC Zonal Office for additional analysis.