National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a large counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation at the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, leading to the seizure of fake and expired products worth more than ₦2 billion.
The agency disclosed in a post on its official X handle on Wednesday that operatives from its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate carried out the raid after receiving credible intelligence about illegal activities inside the complex.
According to NAFDAC, the operation exposed more than 20 illegal stores hidden inside makeshift parking structures where suspects were allegedly producing and packaging fake alcoholic drinks.
The agency said its officers caught some of the suspects blending and counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands, while others were revalidating expired and unsafe drinks for sale to unsuspecting consumers.
It added that banned imported alcoholic beverages were also found stockpiled inside the illegal stores during the enforcement operation.
NAFDAC said two suspects were arrested, while fake products and other items recovered from the operation have been seized and evacuated.
The agency stated that the value of the confiscated products is estimated at over ₦2 billion, describing the operation as a major blow against counterfeiters endangering public health.
In the statement, NAFDAC urged Nigerians to remain alert and report suspicious manufacturing, revalidation or sale of regulated products through its official complaints line, 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).
Counterfeit and expired alcoholic beverages have remained a major public health concern in Nigeria because they may contain harmful substances capable of causing serious illness, permanent organ damage or even death.
NAFDAC has continued to intensify nationwide enforcement operations against fake medicines, adulterated foods and counterfeit beverages as part of efforts to protect consumers and sanitise the country’s regulated products market.
The latest operation highlights the agency’s renewed determination to dismantle illegal manufacturing networks and ensure that only safe and genuine products reach Nigerian consumers.
