NAFDAC Seizes N200m Fake Drink Packaging In Aba

Lagos Trade Fair Board Condemns Counterfeit Drinks Production

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit drink packaging materials worth more than ₦200 million in Aba, Abia State, as authorities intensify efforts to curb the production and distribution of fake alcoholic beverages and other regulated products.

The seizure followed an enforcement operation at five shops on Old Court Road Market, Aba, where operatives recovered counterfeit labels, bottle corks and outer packaging bearing the names of popular local and international brands.

The development comes amid a separate crackdown on suspected counterfeit drink production at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, where two suspects were arrested. The management of the complex has condemned the alleged illegal activity and pledged support for the regulatory agency.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Christiana Obiazikwor, NAFDAC said its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate carried out the Aba operation following credible intelligence.

The agency described the market as a major centre for the alleged production of counterfeit packaging materials used for branded spirits, wines and other regulated products.

Brands whose packaging materials were reportedly recovered included Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.

NAFDAC said its operatives encountered stiff resistance from traders during the operation, including threats and attempts to intimidate them.

“The operation was met with stiff resistance, threats and violent disposition from traders,” the statement said.

The agency added that some traders pursued the vehicle conveying the seized materials and threatened individuals who offered to assist the operatives in loading the items.

“Despite the intimidation and incisive utterances, the resilience and boldness of the I&E operatives ensured the evacuation of as much contraband as possible,” NAFDAC said.

According to the agency, the owners of the five shops fled during the operation. The affected premises were placed on hold, while the suspected counterfeit packaging materials were evacuated.

NAFDAC said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend those allegedly responsible for the operation. It did not disclose whether any arrests had been made or provide details of the suspected shop owners.

In a related development, the management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has condemned the alleged production of counterfeit drinks within its facility following a NAFDAC operation at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.

The agency said it arrested two suspects at a facility where expired energy drinks and popular wine and whisky brands were allegedly being revalidated for sale.

A video shared on NAFDAC’s official X account showed stacks of blue cans of Bullet energy drinks in a storage area, alongside empty alcoholic beverage bottles, bottle caps, corks, labels and packaging materials.

Veronica Ndanusa, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the trade fair board, said the alleged activity contradicted the complex’s commitment to legitimate trade and ethical business practices.

“As a body rooted in the principles of ethical business practices, transparency and genuine trade, we strongly condemn any activity that threatens public safety or brings the reputation of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board into disrepute,” she said.

“Our facility exists to provide a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, not to serve as a breeding ground for the production or distribution of counterfeit and substandard products.”

Ndanusa said relevant authorities had commenced investigations to establish the facts surrounding the incident and prevent a recurrence.

She warned that individuals and businesses found culpable of activities that endanger public health or undermine the integrity of local manufacturing would face the full weight of the law.

The board chief commended NAFDAC for the operation and assured the public that the management would work with regulatory and law enforcement agencies to eliminate illegal activities within the complex.

She also urged traders and business operators to comply with established standards, warning that the pursuit of profit must not come at the expense of consumers’ health and safety.

The board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the complex as a commercial hub and maintaining zero tolerance for activities that undermine public confidence in locally manufactured products.

The enforcement actions come as NAFDAC steps up efforts against substandard products and alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and small containers.

The agency recently reported seizing alcoholic beverages worth about ₦300 million in Lagos. The products were packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with capacities below 200 millilitres.

Counterfeit packaging and the revalidation of expired drinks pose risks to consumers because they can make it difficult to establish a product’s authenticity, safety and contents. The use of established brand names on fake packaging may also mislead buyers into believing that the products are genuine.

NAFDAC’s ongoing investigations are expected to establish those responsible for the suspected operations and determine the next steps against individuals found to have violated relevant regulations.