In a decisive crackdown on illicit activities, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a clandestine alcohol production factory operating in the heart of Lagos Island. Acting on intelligence reports, NAFDAC enforcement officers executed a meticulously planned raid that has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Announcing the operation on its official X platform, NAFDAC revealed that the illegal facility was producing and distributing various counterfeit alcoholic beverages, endangering the health and safety of unsuspecting consumers. The facility, hidden within several packing stores and rooms in the bustling Oke-Arin market, had been cleverly converted into makeshift factories where counterfeit brands of alcoholic drinks were being manufactured, packaged, and prepared for distribution across the open market.
During the raid, enforcement officers seized an astonishing array of items: over 2,000 cartons filled with empty bottles, thousands of already packaged counterfeit drinks, a mini plastic mixing tank, an improvised filter system, and a wide range of packaging materials. The sophistication of the operation shocked even seasoned officers, who noted the high level of organization involved in the illegal enterprise.
NAFDAC officials also apprehended three suspects believed to be the masterminds behind the operation. The agency has estimated the street value of the seized goods at a staggering N200 million, underscoring the scale of the illicit trade.
“The discovery of this illegal alcohol production facility is a significant victory in our ongoing fight against counterfeit and substandard products,” NAFDAC stated in its announcement. “We urge the public to remain vigilant, especially when purchasing alcoholic beverages, as the health risks associated with consuming these unregulated products are severe.”
NAFDAC’s Director-General has vowed that the agency will leave no stone unturned in its investigation, which is still ongoing. The suspects, once the investigation is concluded, will face prosecution to the full extent of the law.
This latest operation by NAFDAC serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by counterfeit goods and the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health. As the agency intensifies its crackdown on illegal production facilities, consumers are urged to be cautious and report any suspicious activities related to food and drug safety.
PIONEER NEWS 