More than 20 illegal stores have come under investigation after the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) uncovered a suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
The raid led to the seizure of alcoholic products valued at more than ₦2 billion, raising concerns about the possible circulation of fake, expired and unsafe drinks in the Nigerian market.
NAFDAC disclosed that its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate carried out the operation on Tuesday, October 13, following credible intelligence about activities taking place within the complex.
During the exercise, operatives reportedly discovered over 20 illegal stores suspected of being used for various illicit operations.
What they found inside the premises pointed to a range of activities that could put consumers at risk.
According to the agency, individuals were caught blending and counterfeiting well-known alcoholic beverage brands. Investigators also uncovered activities involving the revalidation of expired or unsafe drinks, a process that could allow products no longer fit for consumption to be returned to the market.
Banned imported alcoholic beverages were also reportedly found stockpiled at the location.
The scale of the discovery prompted the agency to evacuate the seized products, with their estimated value put at more than ₦2 billion.
NAFDAC announced the operation in a post on its official X account, confirming that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the activities uncovered during the raid.
The agency has not provided further details about the identities of the suspects or the specific charges they may face as investigations continue.
The discovery has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by counterfeit alcoholic beverages, particularly when fake products are packaged to resemble trusted brands.
Consumers who purchase such drinks may have no reliable way of knowing what ingredients they contain, whether their contents have been tampered with or whether they have passed their safe consumption period.
Expired products that are improperly revalidated present another serious concern because misleading labels or packaging can make unsafe drinks appear suitable for sale.
NAFDAC warned that the activities uncovered at the trade fair complex could pose a threat to public health. The agency also called on Nigerians to remain alert and report suspected cases of illegal manufacturing, product revalidation and the sale of regulated items.
Members of the public can report suspicious activities through the agency’s official complaints line on 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).
With products worth billions of naira seized and two suspects arrested, investigators are expected to pursue the case and establish the extent of the operation.
The key question now is whether the investigation will uncover other individuals connected to the suspected counterfeit trade and determine how long the products had been prepared or stored at the facility.
For consumers, the discovery serves as a reminder to buy alcoholic beverages from reputable outlets, examine product labels and packaging carefully, and report suspicious products to the appropriate authorities.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and any suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
(Source: Punch Newspapers)
