The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected counterfeit drinks production facility at the BBA Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State, arresting two suspects over their alleged involvement in the illegal operation.
The facility, located at Zamfara Plaza within the complex along the Badagry Expressway in Ojo, was allegedly being used to repackage and relabel expired beverages, including energy drinks, wines and popular whisky brands.
The operation was carried out by operatives of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday, October 13, following intelligence gathering and surveillance on suspected counterfeit drink producers operating within the Trade Fair International Market.
According to reports, the agency discovered materials and equipment suspected to have been used in the illegal operation, including drums, filters, packaging materials, bottle caps, labels and other items.
Among the beverages allegedly involved were Bullet Energy Drink, Don Julio tequila and Jameson whisky.
A video shared by the agency showed stacks of energy drinks, empty bottles, packaging materials and other items at the premises. NAFDAC operatives alleged that expired products were being relabelled to make them appear suitable for sale to unsuspecting consumers.
The agency also expressed concern that the suspected operators could have been supplying the beverages to bars and nightclubs through arrangements with some bar managers, potentially exposing consumers to unsafe products.
Assistant Director of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Kunle Ojo, reportedly said the agency would investigate the source of the drinks and raw materials, as well as identify those allegedly financing or directing the operation.
He warned that counterfeit and improperly repackaged beverages could pose serious health risks, particularly when their contents, production conditions and expiry status could not be verified.
The recovered products and materials were expected to be moved to NAFDAC’s warehouse for further action, including possible destruction in accordance with applicable procedures.
The two suspects were arrested during the operation, while further investigations are expected to establish the extent of their alleged involvement and determine whether other individuals or businesses were connected to the suspected operation.
The discovery comes amid continuing efforts by NAFDAC to curb the circulation of counterfeit, adulterated and unregistered products in Nigeria.
Consumers have been urged to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly from outlets where the authenticity and storage conditions of products may be difficult to verify.
The agency has also encouraged members of the public to report suspected counterfeit products and illegal production facilities to the appropriate authorities.
