The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed shops at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos where a syndicate allegedly produced and distributed counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic drinks and wines.Find Gov Offices
NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that the operation followed credible intelligence about the illegal activities.
According to the agency, its operatives discovered unhygienic production rooms where suspects allegedly bought empty bottles of expensive wines, replaced the original labels with counterfeit ones and refilled the containers with adulterated alcoholic drinks.
Pictures and videos released from the operation showed empty bottles, fake labels and mixtures being prepared under insanitary conditions, raising concerns about the potential health risks to consumers. Several suspects were arrested during the raid.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and assured the public of its commitment to protecting public health by preventing the circulation of fake and unsafe regulated products.
The agency said it conducts daily enforcement operations to rid the market of counterfeit and substandard products.
It added that its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, remained committed to ensuring that Nigerians have access to wholesome food and safe, effective medicines.
NAFDAC warned individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit and adulterated products to desist from such activities or face the full weight of the law.
The agency reaffirmed that it would continue to track down and prosecute offenders as part of its efforts to safeguard public health.