Health
NAFDAC uncovers fake drinks factory in Lagos, arrests two
Janet Ogundepo
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered a suspected counterfeit drinks factory at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State.
The agency said two suspects were arrested in connection with the production and repackaging of fake alcoholic and energy drinks.
According to NAFDAC, the operation exposed unhygienic production facilities where suspects allegedly relabelled empty bottles of expensive wines with counterfeit labels and refilled them with adulterated alcoholic drinks.
The suspects, identified as Chibuzor Okafor and William John, were arrested during an enforcement operation at a two-storey building in Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, along the Badagry Expressway, Ojo.
NAFDAC said the raid followed credible intelligence and surveillance on suspected counterfeiters operating within the Trade Fair International Market.
Speaking during the operation, the Assistant Director of the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Mr Kunle Ojo, said officers caught some suspects in the act and recovered drums, filters, packaging materials, a heating device, and other equipment allegedly used in the illegal production process.
“Gentlemen of the press, as you can see today, when we came, we caught some red-handed producing all kinds of alcoholic drinks,” Ojo said.
He described the discovery as alarming, saying the operation was aimed at protecting Nigerians from potentially harmful products.
Ojo said NAFDAC had intensified enforcement activities ahead of the festive season, when demand for alcoholic and other beverages typically rises.
He warned those involved in the alleged illegal production to stop the practice, describing the circulation of counterfeit drinks as a serious public health concern.
“You are killing Nigerians in order to make money, which is not good,” he said.
The NAFDAC official said the agency would investigate the sources of the products and raw materials used, as well as identify individuals allegedly financing or directing the operation.
“Where are they getting the products from? Where are they getting their raw materials? Who is employing them to do this kind of dangerous activity?” he asked.
He added that the recovered materials and products would be taken to the agency’s warehouse for further action, including destruction in accordance with applicable procedures.
Ojo said the arrested suspects would face administrative action and prosecution.
“Those people that we have arrested today will be dealt with administratively and definitely will face the law,” he said.
One of the arrested suspects, Okafor, who identified himself as a drinks dealer in the market, said that he transferred drinks into other bottles when the original bottles were damaged.
“I deal in drinks. I change the bottle of the drink. It’s not that the bottle is not good. It’s the drink in there, because the other one is already damaged. So that’s why we are putting it to the next bottle,” he said.
Also speaking during the operation, the Deputy Director of NAFDAC Public Relations, Mrs Christiana Obiazikwor, said the agency routinely conducted surveillance, seizures, arrests and destruction of unregistered and counterfeit products.
She said enforcement activities were often not publicised to avoid alerting suspected offenders or triggering confrontations.
“NAFDAC is still at work. We are on the streets. We are in the markets. We are everywhere,” Obiazikwor said.
She urged Nigerians to report suspected counterfeit production and distribution directly to the agency rather than make unverified allegations on social media.
“There’s no point going to social media to create fear. Report to NAFDAC and we’ll do the needful,” she said, assuring informants that their identities would be protected.
The Assistant Director and Head of Public Relations, Investigation and Enforcement, Mrs Victoria Akudu, said the raid was part of the agency’s routine efforts to uncover illegal manufacturing activities and protect consumers.
Akudu disclosed that the suspected operators had allegedly moved from an earlier location following enforcement action, prompting officials to continue tracking their activities.
“We have confiscated and sealed off the place. They moved to another place. This time around, we passed through the back door. And that is how we are able to get them,” she said.
She urged Nigerians to report suspected counterfeit products and reassured the public that NAFDAC remained committed to its statutory responsibilities.
The agency warned that repackaging drinks under the labels of established brands without proper quality controls or verification of their contents could expose consumers to serious health risks.
NAFDAC warned those involved in the illegal activities to desist or face the full wrath of the law, adding that it would continue to pursue and prosecute offenders to protect public health.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, assuring the public that it would continue to carry out operations to remove fake and unsafe regulated products from the market.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
