By Stephen Simon
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered an alleged large-scale counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, seizing products valued at more than ₦2 billion.
The agency said its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate carried out the operation on Tuesday, October 13, following intelligence about illegal activities at the complex along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos.
According to NAFDAC, operatives discovered more than 20 illegal stores allegedly being used for counterfeiting, the repackaging of beverages and other unlawful activities.
The agency said suspects were found blending and counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands, revalidating expired or unsafe drinks for resale and storing banned imported products.
Two suspects were arrested during the operation, while the recovered products and other exhibits were evacuated from the premises.
NAFDAC warned that the activities posed a serious potential threat to public health, particularly where expired, unsafe or counterfeit alcoholic beverages are repackaged and returned to the market for unsuspecting consumers.
The agency said the operation followed intelligence gathering and formed part of its enforcement efforts against the production, distribution and sale of counterfeit regulated products.
It urged members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages and other regulated products, advising consumers to pay attention to packaging, product labels and other signs of possible tampering.
The agency also encouraged Nigerians to report suspected illegal manufacturing, product revalidation and the sale of counterfeit goods through its official complaints channels.
The discovery has renewed concerns about the circulation of fake consumer products and the potential dangers they pose to public health.
NAFDAC’s investigation is expected to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify any other persons connected with the activities.
