NAFDAC Seizes Fake Alcoholic Beverage Packaging Worth Over ₦200m in Aba Raid

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit packaging materials valued at more than ₦200 million during a raid on five shops at Old Court Road Market in Aba, Abia State.

The operation, conducted on Wednesday, October 15, targeted shops suspected of producing and supplying counterfeit packaging materials for popular alcoholic beverages and other consumer products.

Items recovered during the raid included fake labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials bearing the names of several brands, including Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.

NAFDAC said its Investigation and Enforcement operatives encountered threats and resistance from some traders during the operation, making the evacuation of the seized materials difficult.

According to the agency, the owners of the five shops were absent when its operatives arrived at the market.

The premises were subsequently placed on hold to prevent interference with the materials remaining inside.

NAFDAC added that it had invited the Market Union Chairman, who pledged to ensure the security of the sealed shops and assist the agency in identifying and presenting the shop owners.

The agency did not disclose further details about possible arrests or the next steps in the investigation.

The raid forms part of efforts to curb the production and distribution of counterfeit packaging materials, which can facilitate the circulation of fake products and pose risks to consumers.