The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed shops at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State over the alleged production and distribution of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic drinks and wines.
The operation, which led to the arrest of several suspects, followed credible intelligence received by the agency, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.
NAFDAC operatives reportedly discovered unhygienic production rooms where the suspects allegedly refilled empty bottles of expensive wines with adulterated alcoholic beverages after replacing their original labels with counterfeit ones.
Images and videos released from the operation showed empty bottles, fake labels and alcoholic mixtures being prepared under insanitary conditions, raising concerns about the potential health risks posed to unsuspecting consumers.
The agency warned that the consumption of such products could endanger public health, particularly when counterfeit alcoholic beverages are sold as genuine brands without proper quality control or safety checks.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic drinks, especially products whose packaging, labelling or source appears suspicious.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers through regular surveillance and enforcement operations aimed at removing fake, adulterated and otherwise unsafe regulated products from the Nigerian market.
It added that its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, remained committed to ensuring that Nigerians had access to wholesome food and safe, effective medicines.
NAFDAC also warned individuals and businesses involved in the production, sale and distribution of counterfeit or adulterated products to desist from such activities or face the full consequences of the law.
The agency maintained that it would continue to investigate and prosecute offenders as part of its broader efforts to safeguard public health and prevent dangerous products from reaching consumers.
