nafdac operatives have raided and sealed facilities allegedly used to produce counterfeit wines and adulterated alcoholic beverages in lagos, raising concerns over consumer safety and public health.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed shops at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State over alleged involvement in the production and distribution of counterfeit wines and adulterated alcoholic drinks.
The agency disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that the enforcement operation followed credible intelligence about suspected illegal manufacturing activities at the location.
According to NAFDAC, its operatives discovered unhygienic facilities where individuals allegedly refilled empty bottles originally used for expensive alcoholic beverages with adulterated drinks. The suspects were also accused of replacing authentic product labels with counterfeit versions to make the products appear genuine.
The operation exposed what the agency described as an illicit production process involving the reuse of branded bottles and fake labels to deceive consumers and facilitate the distribution of potentially unsafe alcoholic beverages.
Photographs and videos released after the raid reportedly showed empty bottles, counterfeit labels and mixtures being prepared in unsanitary conditions. The discovery has raised concerns about the possible health consequences for consumers who may unknowingly purchase and consume the products.
NAFDAC confirmed that several suspects were arrested during the operation. However, the agency did not disclose the identities of those arrested or provide further details about the next steps in the investigation in the statement supplied.
NAFDAC Warns Against Counterfeit Alcoholic Products
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages and other regulated products, stressing the importance of protecting consumers from counterfeit and potentially dangerous goods.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to preventing the circulation of fake, adulterated and substandard products through routine surveillance and enforcement activities across the country.
The regulator said it conducts daily enforcement operations aimed at identifying illegal production facilities, disrupting counterfeit product networks and removing unsafe goods from the market.
The agency also reaffirmed the commitment of its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, to ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe food and medicines that meet required quality standards.
Agency Threatens Legal Action Against Offenders
NAFDAC warned individuals and businesses involved in manufacturing or distributing counterfeit and adulterated products to stop the illegal activities or face the full consequences of the law.
The agency maintained that it would continue to identify, investigate and prosecute offenders as part of its broader efforts to safeguard public health and protect consumers.
The Lagos operation highlights the risks posed by counterfeit alcoholic beverages, particularly when reused branded containers and falsified labels make it difficult for consumers to distinguish genuine products from potentially unsafe alternatives.
NAFDAC urged members of the public to exercise caution and remain alert to suspicious products as enforcement efforts continue against illegal manufacturing and distribution networks.
