NAFDAC busts suspected fake drinks factory in Lagos, arrests two

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raided a suspected counterfeit drinks production facility at the Trade Fair Complex, along the Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos State, arresting two persons allegedly linked to the operation.

The suspects, identified as Chibuzor Okafor and William John, were arrested at a two-storey building in Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, where officials reportedly recovered equipment and materials suspected to have been used in producing and repackaging counterfeit alcoholic and energy drinks.

The agency said the operation followed credible intelligence and surveillance targeting suspected counterfeiters operating within the Trade Fair International Market.

Speaking during the enforcement operation, Assistant Director of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Mr Kunle Ojo, said officers caught some of the suspects allegedly engaged in the production of alcoholic drinks when they arrived at the premises.

He described the discovery as alarming, stressing that the operation was part of the agency’s efforts to protect Nigerians from potentially dangerous products.

“What we have discovered today is a lot, and it’s mind-boggling. We are here to protect the lives of many Nigerians,” he added.

Items recovered during the raid reportedly included drums, filters, packaging materials, a heating device and other equipment suspected to have been used in the alleged illegal production process.

Ojo said NAFDAC had stepped up enforcement activities ahead of the festive season, when demand for alcoholic beverages and other drinks typically rises.

He warned that counterfeit beverages could pose serious health risks to consumers, particularly where their ingredients, production conditions and quality standards could not be verified.

“You are killing Nigerians to make money, which is not good,” he said, appealing to those involved in the suspected illegal trade to stop.

The official disclosed that the agency would investigate the source of the products and raw materials, as well as identify the individuals allegedly financing or directing the operation.

“Where are they getting the products from? Where are they getting their raw materials? Who is employing them to do this kind of dangerous activity?” he asked.

According to him, the recovered products and materials would be moved to the agency’s warehouse for further action, including destruction in accordance with applicable procedures.

Ojo added that the suspects would face administrative proceedings and possible legal action following the investigation.

“Those people that we have arrested today will be dealt with administratively and definitely will face the law,” he said.

One of the arrested suspects, Chibuzor Okafor, who described himself as a drinks dealer in the market, said at the scene that he transferred drinks from one bottle to another.

“I deal on drinks. I change the bottle of the drink. It’s not that the bottle is not good. It’s the drink in there, because the other one is already damaged. So that’s why we are putting it into the next bottle,” he said.

His explanation came as NAFDAC officials continued their investigation into the suspected operation and the circumstances surrounding the materials recovered from the premises.

Also speaking during the raid, Deputy Director of Public Relations at NAFDAC, Mrs Christiana Obiazikwor, said the agency continued to conduct surveillance, seize suspected illegal products, arrest suspects and destroy goods found to violate applicable regulations.

She said the agency remained active in markets and other locations despite public criticism that more needed to be done to combat counterfeit products.

“NAFDAC is still at work. We are on the streets. We are in the markets. We are everywhere,” Obiazikwor said.

She explained that enforcement operations were often carried out without prior publicity to prevent suspected offenders from receiving warning or creating confrontational situations.

According to her, the decision to invite journalists to accompany officials during the latest operation was intended to demonstrate the agency’s activities and reassure the public of its commitment to consumer protection.

Obiazikwor urged Nigerians to report suspected counterfeit production and distribution directly to the agency rather than rely on social media posts that might spread unverified claims or generate unnecessary fear.

“There’s no point going to social media to create fear. Report to NAFDAC, and we’ll do the needful,” she said.

She assured members of the public who provide credible information that their identities would be protected.

The Assistant Director and Head of Public Relations, Investigation and Enforcement, Mrs Victoria Jennifer Akudu, described the raid as part of the agency’s routine efforts to uncover illegal manufacturing activities and protect consumers.

“Every day, our people are in the field. Our enforcement department, they are in the field trying to uncover this. And they do a lot,” Akudu said.

She explained that the agency routinely confiscated suspected offending products, conducted seizures and destroyed goods found to breach applicable regulations.

“This is just a routine activity of our enforcement directorate,” she said.

Akudu further alleged that the suspected operators had relocated from an earlier site following enforcement action, prompting officers to continue tracking their activities.

“We have confiscated and sealed off the place. They moved to another place. This time around, we passed through the back door. And that is how we can get them,” she said.

She urged Nigerians to remain calm and report suspected counterfeit products directly to the agency, assuring them that enforcement teams were continuing to investigate suspected manufacturers and distributors.

NAFDAC officials warned that drinks repackaged under the labels of established brands without proper quality controls could expose consumers to serious health risks.

Counterfeit or adulterated beverages may contain substances of unknown origin, be produced under unhygienic conditions or fail to meet prescribed quality and safety standards. Repackaging can also make it difficult for consumers to determine whether a product is genuine or verify its contents.

The agency said the operation formed part of continuing efforts to remove suspected counterfeit, adulterated and unregistered products from the Nigerian market and disrupt the networks involved in their production and distribution.

NAFDAC appealed to traders, consumers and other members of the public to provide credible information about suspected illegal operations to support investigations and enforcement.

The agency reiterated that public cooperation remained important in safeguarding consumers and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

The two suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged operation, while investigations are expected to determine the full extent of their involvement and whether other individuals or supply networks were linked to the facility.