CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has uncovered a large-scale counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation concealed inside the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, seizing fake and expired drinks valued at over N2 billion.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, October 13, by operatives of the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, followed credible intelligence about illegal manufacturing activities within the complex.
According to NAFDAC, the raid led to the discovery of more than 20 illegal stores operating inside makeshift parking stores that had been converted into factories and warehouses for illicit drinks.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, NAFDAC said its officers met suspects in the act of blending and counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands, revalidating expired and unsafe drinks for resale, and stockpiling banned imported products.
Two suspects were arrested during the enforcement operation, while truckloads of seized products were evacuated from the complex.
Videos shared by the agency showed rows of cartons, bottles of different brands of wines and spirits, and chemicals allegedly used for blending, all stored in poorly kept, unhygienic makeshift shops.
The agency described the discovery as a major threat to public health, warning that expired and counterfeit alcoholic drinks, when revalidated and pushed back into the market, could cause serious health complications for unsuspecting consumers.
This is not the first time NAFDAC is raising alarm over fake drinks in Lagos markets. In recent years, the agency has intensified raids on markets in Oke-Arin, Idumota, and Trade Fair, where counterfeiters reportedly refill empty bottles of expensive brands with cheap, unregulated mixtures.
Public health experts have warned that consumption of such adulterated alcohol can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, blindness and even death, depending on the chemical content.
The Trade Fair Complex, located along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, is one of the largest commercial hubs in West Africa, housing thousands of traders dealing in various goods. NAFDAC said the illegal operators exploited the busy nature of the complex and its parking areas to conceal their activities.
The agency has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious manufacturing, revalidation or sale of alcoholic beverages and other regulated products.
It advised consumers to report such activities through its official complaints line: 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322) and to always purchase drinks from reputable sources and check for NAFDAC registration numbers, batch numbers and expiry dates.
Meanwhile, NAFDAC says investigation is ongoing and the arrested suspects will be prosecuted after preliminary interrogation. The agency also said it would extend its surveillance to other markets and warehouses across Lagos State to prevent the circulation of similar products, especially as the festive season approaches when demand for alcoholic drinks increases.
The latest bust comes amid renewed efforts by NAFDAC under its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to rid the Nigerian market of counterfeit and substandard regulated products.