Officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have uncovered ₦2 billion counterfeit alcohol packaging centres in Lagos.
The illegal packaging centres were raided in the Abule-Osun area of the nation’s commercial heartbeat.
“NAFDAC has dismantled illegal alcohol packaging operations at Article Market in Abule-Osun, Lagos State,” the agency said in a statement on its X handle on Thursday.
“During the raid, over 50,000 counterfeit branded labels and packaging materials for fake alcoholic beverages, valued at approximately ₦2 billion, were confiscated. These items were being used to produce unapproved and hazardous alcoholic products.”
The agency re-echoed the consequences of fake alcohol and warned consumers to buy products from trusted vendors.
“NAFDAC warns about the severe health risks of counterfeit alcohol, including poisoning and organ damage,” NAFDAC said.
“Consumers are advised to purchase alcoholic beverages only from trusted vendors and report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.”
The development came days after the agency seized counterfeit wines valued at ₦41.2m in Nasarawa State. The seizure followed a raid in shops in some parts of the state.
“NAFDAC has conducted a major raid on wine shops in Mararaba Market and the New Nyanya and Masaka areas of Nasarawa State. The operation targeted counterfeit and adulterated wines and spirits, resulting in the seizure of products valued at over ₦41.2 million,” the agency said on its X handle.
It said, “NAFDAC’s Investigation & Enforcement team is actively investigating the importers or manufacturers behind these counterfeit drinks. NAFDAC urges consumers to remain vigilant and report suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate action.”
