NAFDAC busts fake alcohol shops in Lagos, seizes products worth ₦2 billion

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has found a big fake alcohol operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. They seized products worth over ₦2 billion.

The agency said its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate carried out the raid on Tuesday after receiving reliable information. They discovered more than 20 illegal shops that were allegedly used for counterfeiting and other illegal activities.

The statement said, "Today, operatives from NAFDAC’s Investigation & Enforcement (I&E) Directorate raided the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, uncovering a large-scale counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation concealed within makeshift parking stores on the premises."

The statement continued, "The enforcement action was executed on the basis of credible intelligence and resulted in the discovery of more than 20 illegal stores engaged in criminal operations within the complex."

NAFDAC reported that officers found suspects mixing fake versions of well-known alcoholic brands. They also found expired and unsafe drinks that were being prepared for resale and banned imported products being stockpiled.

The statement added, "Officers found suspects in the process of blending and counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands, revalidating expired and unsafe beverages for resale, and stockpiling banned imported products."

"Two suspects were apprehended, and products seized and evacuated are valued at over ₦2 billion," the statement said.

The agency advised the public to stay alert and report any suspicious manufacturing, revalidation, or sales of regulated products.