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NAFDAC Busts ₦2bn Fake Alcohol Syndicate in Lagos, Uncovers Expired Drinks Repackaged for Sale
NAFDAC Busts ₦2bn Fake Alcohol Syndicate in Lagos, Uncovers Expired Drinks Repackaged for Sale
NAFDAC raids more than 20 illegal stores at Lagos International Trade Fair Complex over suspected counterfeit alcohol production.
Operatives uncover alleged blending of popular brands and repackaging of expired and unsafe beverages for resale.
Two suspects arrested as seized and evacuated products are valued at more than ₦2 billion.
Agency warns consumers to remain vigilant and report suspicious production, revalidation, and sale of regulated products.
October 14, () – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has busted an alleged counterfeit alcohol syndicate operating from the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, uncovering more than 20 illegal stores where expired and unsafe beverages were allegedly being revalidated and repackaged for sale to unsuspecting consumers.
The Agency said two suspects were arrested during the operation, while counterfeit, banned, and other suspected unwholesome products valued at more than ₦2 billion were seized and evacuated.
The enforcement operation, carried out on Tuesday by operatives of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) Directorate, followed what the Agency described as credible intelligence on suspicious activities within the sprawling commercial complex.
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According to NAFDAC, investigators discovered a large-scale operation concealed within makeshift parking stores on the premises, where suspects were allegedly engaged in blending and counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands.
More disturbing, the Agency said, was the discovery that expired and unsafe beverages were allegedly being revalidated for resale, potentially allowing products that should have been withdrawn from circulation to return to the consumer market.
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Operatives also uncovered quantities of banned imported products allegedly stockpiled inside the stores.
NAFDAC said some suspects were caught in the process of carrying out the illegal activities when enforcement officers moved into the complex.
Two suspects were subsequently apprehended as investigators secured and evacuated products linked to the operation.
NAFDAC Intensifies Crackdown
The Lagos raid comes amid sustained efforts by NAFDAC to disrupt the production and distribution of counterfeit beverages and other regulated products across the country.
The Agency has repeatedly targeted markets, warehouses, and clandestine production centres suspected of manufacturing or distributing fake alcoholic beverages, particularly operations involving the imitation of established brands.
In December 2023, NAFDAC uncovered a major counterfeit drinks operation in the Eziukwu Market area of Aba, Abia State, where enforcement officers raided scores of makeshift factories involved in the production of fake wines and alcoholic beverages.
The International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos has itself remained an important focus for regulatory enforcement because of the huge volume and variety of goods traded within the commercial hub.
NAFDAC has previously conducted enforcement operations at the complex against suspected counterfeit, unregistered and substandard regulated products.
Consumers Warned
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to exercise increased caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages and other regulated products, especially where packaging, labelling, seals, manufacturing information or expiry dates appear suspicious or have apparently been altered.
Consumers were also advised to patronise reputable outlets and avoid products whose origin or regulatory status cannot be established.
The agency appealed to traders and members of the public not to shield operators involved in the manufacture, revalidation, or distribution of counterfeit and unsafe products, warning that such activities could put the health of thousands of consumers at risk.
It urged anyone with information about suspicious manufacturing, revalidation or sales activities to report through its official complaints line, 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).
NAFDAC said continued public vigilance and intelligence sharing would strengthen its efforts to identify clandestine operations and prevent counterfeit and potentially unsafe products from reaching consumers.
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