By Ado Oyeyemi
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a trader, Ibrahim Moh’d, for allegedly repackaging and selling expired powdered milk to unsuspecting consumers in Funtua Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was apprehended by operatives attached to the Makera Division following intelligence reports linking him to the distribution of adulterated dairy products.
In a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the police said the arrest was made on June 14 during a surveillance operation carried out at about 11:30 a.m.
According to the statement, the suspect was found in possession of 10 bags of powdered milk believed to be expired and unsafe for human consumption.
The police disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly mixed the expired product with genuine milk before repackaging the blend in counterfeit containers for sale to members of the public.
The statement read, “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives intercepted and arrested the suspect in Funtua. He was found with 10 bags of powdered milk suspected to be expired and unfit for consumption.
“Investigations further revealed that the suspect knowingly mixed the expired milk with genuine products and repackaged them in counterfeit packaging with the intention of deceiving buyers.”
The command said the recovered items had been secured as exhibits while the suspect remained in custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
Police authorities added that the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of the ongoing probe.
The statement noted that the alleged offences contravene Sections 152 and 154 of the Penal Code Law 2021 (as amended), which prohibit the sale of adulterated food products and the misrepresentation of goods.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ali Fage, warned traders and business operators against engaging in activities capable of endangering public health.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating the circulation of substandard and harmful products and urged residents to report suspicious commercial activities to security agencies.
The police assured members of the public that efforts would continue to protect consumers and ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.
