The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully intercepted counterfeiters engaged in the production of a variety of beverages, including wines, soft drinks, and consumables at Eziukwu Market (Cemetery Market) in Aba, Abia State.
In a statement released on its website, NAFDAC revealed that the operation, which involved weeks of intelligence gathering, led to the discovery of over 1,500 cartons of fake and substandard products.
The estimated street value of the confiscated and destroyed counterfeit goods exceeded N750 million.
Ten individuals were arrested at the scene of the operation and will face charges after a thorough investigation.
The agency conducted raids on more than 240 shops that were transformed into makeshift factories for the illicit production and marketing of harmful products.
These facilities were found to be unsanitary, using unhygienic water sources, harmful chemicals, saccharin, coloring agents, dirty recycled bottles, and cloned packaging materials from other brands.
The counterfeiters were involved in manufacturing various types of adulterated products, including different brands of wine such as Seaman Schnapps, Hennessy, Four Cousins, Carlo Rossi, Jenney, Chelsea London Dry Gin, Schnapp Dry Gin, McDowells, Black Labels, Gordons, Martell, Campari, Smirnoff ice, Eva Non-Alcoholic Drink, Evra Non-Alcoholic Drink, Cartel, and others.
The nefarious activities also included date revalidation for expired products like Peak milk, powdered milk, ketchups, yoghurt, Coca Cola products, and the packaging of fake and substandard products.
NAFDAC took decisive action by shutting down the entire market for thorough regulatory activities, ensuring that stakeholders signed an agreement committing to preventing such illegal activities in the future.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and advised consumers to scrutinize branded drinks thoroughly to distinguish genuine products from counterfeits before consumption.