The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a statement confirming the apprehension of counterfeiters engaged in the production of a variety of beverages, including wines, soft drinks, and consumables in Eziukwu Market (Cemetery Market) located in Aba, Abia State.
According to the released
statement, NAFDAC acted upon credible intelligence, conducting several weeks of
intelligence gathering and data collation on the activities of these
counterfeiters. In collaboration with other security agencies, NAFDAC executed
a sting operation in the market to dismantle the criminal operations. The
agency highlighted that this illicit activity had persisted for an extended
period, operating as a cartel that intimidated anyone attempting to challenge
them.
The statement outlined the
nefarious activities of the counterfeiters, encompassing the production of
various adulterated products, especially wines from reputable brands such as
Seaman Schnapps, Henessy, Four Cousins, Carlo Rossi, Jenney, Chelsea London Dry
Gin, Schnapp Dry Gin, McDowells, Black Labels, Gordons, Martell, Campari,
Smirnoff ice, Eva Non-Alcoholic Drink, Evra Non-Alcoholic Drink, Cartel, and
others. Additionally, the counterfeiters engaged in date revalidation for
expired products like Peak milk, powdered milk, ketchups, yogurt, Coca-Cola
products, as well as the packaging of fake and substandard products sold to
unsuspecting consumers.
The statement revealed that
NAFDAC conducted raids on more than 240 shops turned factories, where harmful
products were being manufactured and marketed. These facilities were described
as very filthy, utilizing water from unhygienic sources, harmful chemicals,
saccharin, coloring agents, dirty recycled bottles, and cloned packaging
materials from other brands.
During the operation, over
1,500 cartons of fake and substandard products were destroyed, with an
estimated street value exceeding seven hundred and fifty million naira
(N750,000,000). Ten individuals were arrested on-site and are expected to face
charges after a thorough investigation.
Given the scale of illegal
activities in the market, NAFDAC took the decisive step of temporarily shutting
down the entire market for comprehensive regulatory activities. The reopening
of the market is contingent upon an agreement with all stakeholders, ensuring
that such nefarious activities cease.
The statement emphasized the
health risks associated with consuming adulterated alcohol, including nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, and potentially
life-threatening complications such as kidney and liver failure. NAFDAC urged
Nigerians to remain vigilant, advising consumers to scrutinize branded drinks
for authenticity. The agency provided guidelines, urging consumers to consider
the "4 Ps" before purchasing alcohol: Place, Price, Packaging, and
Product.
NAFDAC pledged to sustain
efforts to minimize counterfeit products nationwide, reiterating its commitment
to eliminating fake and substandard products. The public was encouraged to report
any suspicious activities related to the illegal production of adulterated
products to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.
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