NAFDAC uncovers fake beverage factory in Aba

In Eziukwu Market (Cemetery Market), Aba, Abia State, counterfeiters engaged in the production of a range of beverages, including wines, soft drinks, and consumables, have been apprehended by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The agency made this information public on its website yesterday, stating that it had spent several weeks gathering intelligence and compiling information on the actions of these death merchants.

During the operation, more than 1,500 cartons containing counterfeit and inferior goods were destroyed, and 300 cartons were evacuated to the NAFDAC warehouse.

“The street value of the confiscated and destroyed fake products is estimated at over N750 million. Ten people were arrested on arrival at the scene of the crime and will be charged to court after a thorough investigation,” the agency said.

The dangerous products were being produced and marketed, according to NAFDAC, which said that it raided over 240 shops that had been converted into factories. It further stated that the shops had become extremely dirty, using water from unclean sources, dangerous chemicals, saccharin, colouring, dirty recycled bottles, and copycat packaging materials from other brands.

It was clarified that the production of tainted goods, particularly wine, under various brands 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 was among the nefarious activities of the counterfeiters.

“There is also date revalidation for expired products like Peak milk, Powdered milk, Ketchups, Yoghurt, Coca Cola products, packaging of fake and substandard products, which are later sold to unsuspecting members of the public for consumption.”

NAFDAC stated that it was forced to close the market entirely for extensive regulatory activity due to the extreme illegality occurring in that particular section of the market. This action was taken until all market stakeholders reached a consensus and agreed to sign a statement promising that the market would no longer be used for such nefarious activities.

The agency advised Nigerians to exercise caution and to always carefully inspect branded drinks to ensure they are not fakes before ingesting them.

Source