NAFDAC uncovers suspected counterfeit alcohol factory in Abia

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks production facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, Abia State, with equipment and materials estimated at over ₦500 million.

In a statement issued on Monday, the agency said its officials acted on credible intelligence and discovered the facility operating under unhygienic conditions.

“NAFDAC has uncovered a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks production facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, Abia State,” the agency said.

According to NAFDAC, the suspected operator fled on sighting the enforcement team, abandoning a vehicle at the premises.

The vehicle reportedly contained counterfeit packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, empty bottles, and a drum containing about 200 litres of liquid.

The agency said items recovered inside the facility included counterfeit packaging materials, bottle caps, sealing machines, empty bottles, cartons, tanks containing various liquid concoctions, and dirty sieves allegedly used in production.

NAFDAC also said plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol and tree bark immersed in ethanol were found at the site.

“The discovery raises serious concerns about the safety and quality of the products being produced,” the statement said.

The agency put the estimated value of the equipment, materials, and facility components at more than ₦500 million.

NAFDAC thereby urged members of the public to report suspected illegal manufacturing activities through its Call Centre on 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, or by email to reforms@nafdac.gov.ng.