The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismantled an alleged counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, confiscating products estimated to be worth more than N2bn.
The agency said its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate conducted the raid on Tuesday following credible intelligence about suspected illegal activities within the complex.
According to NAFDAC, the operation uncovered more than 20 illegal stores allegedly being used for the production, storage and distribution of counterfeit and unsafe alcoholic beverages.
The agency said its operatives discovered individuals allegedly involved in blending and counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands, revalidating expired or unsafe drinks for resale, and storing prohibited imported products.
Two suspects were arrested during the raid, while the seized products were evacuated from the premises, NAFDAC disclosed in a statement posted on its official X account.
The agency warned that the activities posed a serious potential risk to public health, noting that expired and unsafe alcoholic drinks could be repackaged and reintroduced into the market for unsuspecting consumers.
It stressed the need for increased vigilance against the circulation of counterfeit and substandard regulated products, urging Nigerians to report suspected cases of illegal manufacturing, product revalidation and unauthorised sales.
NAFDAC also advised consumers to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages and to report suspicious products or activities through its official complaints line on 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).
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