The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut down a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks factory in Aba, Abia State, after uncovering an illegal production facility operating under unhygienic conditions.
The agency estimated the value of the equipment, packaging materials and other items recovered at the facility at more than N500m.
In a statement, NAFDAC said its enforcement officers raided the premises at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, following credible intelligence about the suspected illegal operation.
The agency said the suspected operator fled upon the arrival of the enforcement team, abandoning a vehicle loaded with counterfeit packaging materials bearing the names of popular alcoholic drink brands, including Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky.
Officers also recovered empty bottles and a drum containing approximately 200 litres of an unidentified liquid from the vehicle.
A search of the premises revealed what the agency described as an extensive illicit manufacturing setup, including bottle caps, sealing machines, empty bottles, cartons and tanks containing various liquid mixtures.
Other items found at the facility included dirty sieves allegedly used in the production process, plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol.
NAFDAC expressed concern over the discovery of tree bark immersed in ethanol, saying the finding raised questions about the ingredients, safety and quality of the beverages allegedly being produced.
The agency said the unhygienic conditions at the facility pointed to serious concerns about the production process and the apparent disregard for established quality standards and regulatory requirements.
However, NAFDAC has not publicly disclosed the chemical composition of the liquids recovered from the premises or confirmed whether they have undergone laboratory testing.
It also remains unclear whether the mixtures found at the site were being used to manufacture the counterfeit whisky brands identified in the packaging materials.
No arrests had been reported in connection with the raid, while the suspected operator remained at large, according to the information available.
The operation forms part of NAFDAC’s intensified efforts to curb the production and distribution of counterfeit and unregulated products across the country.
The Aba raid follows other enforcement actions, including the seizure of counterfeit alcoholic drinks reportedly worth N2bn at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex on October 13 and the destruction of fake products valued at N2.6bn in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Warning about the potential public health dangers associated with counterfeit and unregulated alcoholic beverages, NAFDAC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected illegal manufacturing activities.
The agency advised members of the public to contact its call centre on 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, or send reports to reforms@nafdac.gov.ng.
