NAFDAC Uncovers Fake Drinks Factory at Lagos Trade Fair Complex, Arrests Two
The agency says suspected counterfeiters were caught allegedly repackaging expired energy drinks, wine and whisky at a facility in Ojo, Lagos, as part of an enforcement operation to protect consumers.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected counterfeit drinks production facility at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State and arrested two men allegedly linked to the operation.
The facility was discovered at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, along the Badagry Expressway in Ojo, following intelligence and surveillance targeting suspected counterfeiters operating in the market.
The operation, conducted by NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, reportedly uncovered equipment and materials allegedly used to produce, repackage and revalidate expired alcoholic and energy drinks for resale.
The agency identified the arrested suspects as Chibuzor Okafor and William John.
Expired Drinks Allegedly Repackaged for Sale
Speaking during the operation, Kunle Ojo, Assistant Director of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, said officials caught some suspects allegedly producing alcoholic beverages when they raided the facility.
Items recovered included drums, filters, packaging materials, a heating device and other equipment suspected to have been used in the illegal operation.
Ojo said the agency would investigate the sources of the products and raw materials, as well as identify individuals allegedly financing or directing the activities.
He warned that the circulation of counterfeit beverages posed serious risks to public health.
One of the arrested suspects, Chibuzor Okafor, who described himself as a drinks dealer, told Vanguard that he changed the bottles of drinks he handled.
He claimed that the original drinks had become damaged and were transferred into other bottles. His explanation has not independently established the safety or authenticity of the products involved.
NAFDAC Intensifies Enforcement Ahead of Festive Season
Ojo said the agency had intensified enforcement activities ahead of the festive season, when demand for alcoholic beverages and other drinks typically increases.
He said the recovered materials and products would be evacuated to NAFDAC’s warehouse for further action, including destruction in accordance with applicable procedures.
The agency also indicated that those arrested would face administrative action and possible prosecution, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Victoria Jennifer Akudu, an assistant director in the agency’s public relations, investigation and enforcement unit, said the raid formed part of NAFDAC’s routine efforts to uncover illegal manufacturing and distribution activities.
She urged Nigerians to report suspected counterfeit production facilities directly to the agency rather than rely solely on social media reports.
Akudu assured members of the public that NAFDAC would continue its enforcement operations to protect consumers.
Agency Warns of Public Health Risks
NAFDAC warned that drinks repackaged under the labels of established brands without proper quality controls could expose consumers to serious health risks.
The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious manufacturing, repackaging or distribution activities.
It also reiterated its commitment to removing counterfeit, adulterated, expired and unregistered products from the Nigerian market.
The investigation into the suspected operation is expected to establish the origin of the drinks, the extent of the activities and the possible involvement of other individuals.
