The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered a large-scale counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation concealed within makeshift parking stores at the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.
The raid, carried out by operatives of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, was executed based on credible intelligence received by the agency, leading to the discovery of more than 20 illegal stores used for criminal activities within the complex.
According to NAFDAC, officers met suspects in the process of blending and counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands, revalidating expired and unsafe beverages for resale, and stockpiling banned imported products.
During the operation, two suspects were apprehended while illicit products valued at over N2 billion were seized and evacuated from the premises by enforcement officers.
The agency described the discovery as part of its ongoing efforts to rid the market of fake, substandard and unsafe regulated products that pose serious health risks to consumers across the country.
It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious manufacturing, revalidation or sales activity through its official complaints line: 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).
