The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has discovered an illicit alcoholic beverage production facility located in Aba, Abia State, featuring equipment and materials valued at more than N500 million.
The agency disclosed this in a statement via its Instagram handle on Monday, October 19, saying the facility was discovered at No. 25 Omenazu Street following credible intelligence.
According to NAFDAC, its officials found the facility operating under unhygienic conditions, while the suspected operator reportedly fled when the enforcement team arrived.
The statement reads in part, “The suspected operator reportedly fled upon the team’s arrival, abandoning a vehicle in which counterfeit packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, empty bottles and a drum containing approximately 200 litres of liquid were found.”
The agency said further searches uncovered packaging materials, bottle caps, sealing machines, empty bottles, cartons and tanks containing various liquid mixtures.
Officials also discovered dirty sieves suspected to have been used in the production process, alongside plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol.
NAFDAC said tree bark immersed in ethanol was also found at the facility, raising concerns about the safety and quality of the suspected products.
The agency added that the estimated value of the equipment, materials and other components at the facility exceeded N500 million.
It urged members of the public to report suspected illegal manufacturing activities to its call centre on 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, or via email at [email protected].
TVC News had on Thursday, October 15, reported that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit packaging materials for alcoholic beverages and other products worth over N200 million from five shops at Old Court Road Market in Aba, Abia State.
The agency disclosed this in a statement on its official X handle on Wednesday, October 14, following a raid conducted by its operatives after receiving credible intelligence about the suspected production and supply of counterfeit packaging materials.
NAFDAC said the operation uncovered counterfeit labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials bearing the names of several brands, including Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.
According to the agency, the seized materials were estimated to be worth over N200 million.
What You Should Know
In a major enforcement operation, NAFDAC raided an illegal factory in Aba producing counterfeit alcoholic drinks under unsanitary conditions. The primary suspect fled before authorities arrived, abandoning vehicle contents, packaging materials, and ethanol drums.
- Positive Impact: This crackdown prevents toxic, unverified counterfeit beverages from entering the market, directly protecting unsuspecting consumers from severe health hazards and poisoning.
- Potential Concerns: The raid highlights the dangerous prevalence of counterfeit manufacturing syndicates operating in residential and commercial areas, posing ongoing risks to public health and legitimate beverage brands.
