Officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have uncovered illegal alcohol packaging centres in Lagos worth an estimated ₦2 billion. The operations, located in the Abule-Osun area of Lagos State, were dismantled following a coordinated raid by NAFDAC’s enforcement team.
The agency, in a statement shared on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealed that over 50,000 counterfeit branded labels and packaging materials used for producing fake alcoholic beverages were confiscated. These unapproved and potentially harmful products posed serious health risks to consumers, including poisoning and organ damage.
“NAFDAC has dismantled illegal alcohol packaging operations at Article Market in Abule-Osun, Lagos State,” the statement read.
Health Risks and Consumer Warnings
NAFDAC reiterated its warnings about the dangers of consuming counterfeit alcoholic products, urging Nigerians to purchase beverages only from trusted vendors and to report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“Consumers are advised to purchase alcoholic beverages only from trusted vendors and report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the agency cautioned, emphasizing the severe health implications of fake alcohol.
A Broader Crackdown on Counterfeit Products
This discovery comes shortly after a similar NAFDAC operation in Nasarawa State, where counterfeit wines and spirits valued at ₦41.2 million were seized during a raid in Mararaba Market, New Nyanya, and Masaka areas.
NAFDAC disclosed that its Investigation and Enforcement team is actively pursuing the manufacturers and importers behind these counterfeit products, stressing its commitment to safeguarding public health.
A Call for Vigilance
The agency is urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious products or activities. “We are committed to eradicating counterfeit goods and ensuring the health and safety of Nigerians,” NAFDAC stated.
The crackdown highlights NAFDAC’s intensified efforts to tackle the menace of counterfeit products across the country, with Lagos and Nasarawa as the latest in a series of enforcement actions.
