NAFDAC Uncovers Fake Drink Factories as Counterfeit Products Worth N5.3bn Face Destruction

NAFDAC Uncovers Fake Drink Factories as Counterfeit Products Worth N5.3bn Face Destruction

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized and destroyed counterfeit and substandard products worth more than N5.3bn within one week, following enforcement operations across three locations.

The operations targeted suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages, illegal production facilities, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, repackaging materials and other goods considered unsafe for public consumption.

NAFDAC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Christiana Obiazikwor, disclosed the development in an interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, outlining the agency’s recent enforcement activities in Lagos, Abia and Rivers states.

According to Obiazikwor, operatives intercepted suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks and illegally repackaged products worth N2bn at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex on October 13.

The agency also uncovered suspected counterfeit beverages and packaging materials valued at more than N700m in Aba, Abia State, while products worth N2.6bn were destroyed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

NAFDAC Uncovers Illegal Alcohol Businesses in Lagos

During the Lagos operation, NAFDAC officials reportedly discovered more than 20 illegal stores at Zamfara Plaza within the International Trade Fair Complex.

Obiazikwor said the premises were allegedly used for counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands, altering the validity of expired drinks and storing prohibited imported products.

Two suspects were arrested during the operation, while officials evacuated the seized goods from the affected premises as part of the enforcement exercise.

The agency’s findings have raised fresh concerns about the circulation of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and the potential health consequences for unsuspecting consumers who purchase products believing they are genuine.

Aba Raid Exposes Counterfeit Drinks and Packaging Materials

In Aba, NAFDAC operatives raided five shops at Old Court Road Market over suspected involvement in the sale or production of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and related packaging materials.

The agency estimated the value of the seized materials at more than N700m, including fake labels, corks, packs and outer packaging carrying the names of established beverage brands.

Obiazikwor disclosed that officers encountered resistance from some traders during the operation, making it difficult to remove all the materials discovered at the market.

She added that the shop owners were absent during the raid, prompting officials to secure the affected premises to prevent interference with the remaining items.

Suspected Fake Whisky Factory Discovered in Aba

NAFDAC officials uncovered another suspected alcoholic beverage counterfeiting facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, on October 15, following information received about the alleged operation.

Obiazikwor said the premises were reportedly used to produce spirits and herbal liqueurs under unhygienic conditions, raising concerns about the safety of the beverages intended for consumers.

According to her, the operator fled when officials arrived following a tip-off, abandoning a vehicle containing materials linked to the suspected counterfeiting operation.

The vehicle reportedly contained labels and products bearing the names Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, alongside empty bottles stored in its boot.

Officials also discovered a drum containing approximately 200 litres of liquid and a product labelled Café Rum Whisky, according to the NAFDAC spokesperson.

Other items recovered included drums of ethanol, plastic buckets, tree bark, packaging materials, corks, tanks containing liquid mixtures, dirty sieves, sealing machines and bottles bearing established brand names.

NAFDAC estimated the value of the materials and facility at more than N500m, highlighting the scale of the suspected illegal production operation.

The discovery underscores concerns about counterfeit alcoholic drinks entering the market through facilities operating outside approved manufacturing and quality-control standards.

NAFDAC Destroys N2.6bn Worth of Seized Products in Rivers

In Port Harcourt, NAFDAC destroyed seized products valued at N2.6bn, including pharmaceutical products, chemicals, tomato paste, biscuits and other items classified as unwholesome.

According to Obiazikwor, the goods had been intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service at Onne Port between 2025 and 2026 before arrangements were made for their destruction.

The Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods in Nigeria, Dr Martins Iluyomade, represented NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, at the exercise on Friday.

Iluyomade, who also serves as the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said the destruction demonstrated the cooperation between NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service in addressing counterfeit and unsafe products.

He explained that preparations for the exercise began in 2025, with both agencies signing memoranda of understanding to strengthen coordination and ensure the proper disposal of seized goods.

According to him, the destruction exercise marked the first phase of the process, with additional containers of seized products expected to be transferred from the port.

Iluyomade urged the Customs Service to expedite the release of the remaining containers for destruction, while calling on government agencies to work together against counterfeit products and related illegal activities.

He also cautioned against rivalry among enforcement agencies, stressing that effective cooperation was necessary to achieve meaningful results in protecting public health.

Representing the Enforcement Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command, Superintendent of Customs Elizabeth Abosede commended NAFDAC for its role in the exercise.

Similarly, the South-South Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Chukwuma Oligbu, represented by his deputy, Rita Chukwuma, said the operation formed part of the agency’s regulatory responsibilities.

She explained that the objective was to remove fake and substandard products from circulation and protect communities from the dangers associated with their consumption.

Health Risks Associated With Counterfeit Drinks and Medicines

Public health expert Olusoji Aramide warned that adulterated alcoholic beverages could expose consumers to harmful substances capable of endangering their health.

He also explained that counterfeit and substandard medicines might contain incorrect ingredients, insufficient quantities of active pharmaceutical ingredients or contaminants that could compromise treatment.

Such products can prevent patients from receiving the intended therapeutic benefits and may expose them to additional health complications, particularly when used to treat serious illnesses.

Aramide further noted that counterfeit packaging could mislead consumers by making fake products appear genuine while concealing their actual contents, origins and expiry dates.

NAFDAC has urged Nigerians to remain alert to suspicious products and report suspected illegal manufacturing, repackaging and sales activities to the agency.

Consumers are encouraged to purchase regulated products from reliable sources and examine packaging carefully, especially when dealing with alcoholic beverages, medicines and other products that directly affect public health.