By Chinazaekpere Chinwendu
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a residential building in Lagos State allegedly used to store empty alcoholic beverage bottles suspected to be intended for the production of counterfeit drinks.
The discovery was made at 322B Meiran Road, Agbado, Oke-Odo, following credible intelligence received by the agency concerning suspicious activities in the area.
An Assistant Director in NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Kunle Ojo, disclosed the development in a video shared on the agency’s official X account, explaining that operatives found more than 100 sacks of empty bottles stacked within the residential premises.
According to Ojo, the bottles came in different sizes and included containers bearing labels associated with various alcoholic beverages, including Action Bitters and Hennessy. The agency suspected that the bottles were being collected, washed and supplied to individuals involved in the production of counterfeit alcoholic drinks.
He explained that the location was situated in a secluded residential neighbourhood, adding that the discovery followed intelligence reports about activities believed to be unlawful.
NAFDAC subsequently destroyed the recovered bottles to prevent their possible reuse in the production and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages. The agency said the operation formed part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers from potentially dangerous products.
Ojo condemned the use of residential buildings for activities linked to suspected counterfeit production, warning that the practice posed serious concerns for public health and safety.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their communities to the nearest NAFDAC office, stressing that public cooperation was essential to identifying and dismantling illegal operations.
The latest discovery comes amid intensified enforcement efforts by NAFDAC against counterfeit alcoholic beverages across the country. On October 13, the agency reportedly raided more than 20 makeshift stores at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, where suspected fake spirits, expired drinks and prohibited imported products were seized.
The agency reiterated its commitment to tackling the circulation of counterfeit products and called on consumers to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages, particularly those from unverified sources.