Lagos Task Force Arrests 8 for Selling Contaminated Turkey Disposed of by Customs at Dumpsite

The Lagos State Task Force has arrested eight suspects for selling contaminated turkey that had been seized by the Nigeria Customs Service. This arrest followed a raid in Epe, where the agency discovered that dozens of cartons filled with the contaminated turkey, originally seized and set ablaze by the Nigeria Customs Service, had somehow found their way into the hands of unscrupulous individuals trying to sell it to the public.

The spokesperson for the agency, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, announced the arrests in a statement on Sunday, July 14. He explained that the contaminated turkey had been set ablaze at a dumpsite, but some individuals had managed to retrieve it with the intention of selling it to unsuspecting consumers.

The operation was triggered by tip-offs from Rasheed Shabi, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun. Acting on this information, Task Force officials raided shanties near the dumpsite and apprehended eight suspects, who were found in possession of the contaminated turkey and some harmful weapons.

Oba Kamorudeen praised the swift response of the Lagos State Task Force, noting that the incident could have led to a nationwide health crisis if not promptly addressed. He emphasized the importance of vigilance in preventing such threats, especially given the ongoing cholera outbreak in parts of Lagos.

“I am glad this menace has been nipped in the bud before it blows out of proportion,” Oba Kamorudeen said. “The state is currently battling to contain the cholera outbreak in some parts of the metropolis, so we need not compound the issues rather it’s our responsibility to the citizenry to ensure sinister forces do not plunge the state into crisis for their selfish gains.”

CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Task Force, led the operation. He explained that goods confiscated by the Nigeria Customs Service are deemed unfit for human consumption after failing to meet required health and safety standards, which is why they are set ablaze at a dedicated dumpsite.

“We cannot allow some ignorant individuals to reintroduce products which have been condemned by a federal agency back into the market,” Akerele stated. “Contaminated foods like this could cause cancer, lung or liver disease, and so on. Consumption is highly dangerous, and we are here to ensure that Lagosians are protected at all costs.”

Akerele highlighted that all contaminated goods were recovered and transported to the agency’s headquarters. The arrested suspects are set to face charges in court.

This incident underscores the importance of strict enforcement and vigilance in safeguarding public health, especially in densely populated areas like Lagos. The swift action by the Task Force has potentially averted a major public health crisis. The agency’s commitment to protecting citizens from harmful goods is a critical component of maintaining public safety and health standards.

The Lagos State Task Force continues to work diligently to ensure that such harmful activities are curtailed and that those responsible are brought to justice.