The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks production facility valued at over ₦500 million at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, Abia State.
The discovery followed credible intelligence that led NAFDAC officials to the facility, where they reportedly found production materials and equipment under unhygienic conditions.
According to information released by the agency, the suspected operator fled upon the arrival of the enforcement team, abandoning a vehicle containing counterfeit packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky.
Officials also discovered empty bottles and a drum containing approximately 200 litres of liquid inside the vehicle.
A further search of the premises reportedly revealed counterfeit packaging materials, bottle caps, sealing machines, empty bottles, cartons and tanks containing various liquid concoctions suspected to have been used in producing alcoholic beverages.
The agency also found plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol, alongside tree bark immersed in ethanol, raising concerns about the nature of the substances and the safety of the suspected production process.
Dirty sieves believed to have been used during production were also among the items recovered from the facility.
NAFDAC estimated the value of the equipment, materials and other components found at the premises at more than ₦500 million.
The discovery has raised concerns over the potential health risks associated with the production and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, particularly where the ingredients, manufacturing processes and final products have not undergone the required regulatory checks.
Counterfeit alcoholic drinks can expose consumers to potentially dangerous substances and uncertain alcohol concentrations, making regulatory surveillance and enforcement important to public health protection.
The agency urged members of the public to provide credible information about suspected illegal manufacturing operations to assist its efforts to identify and dismantle facilities involved in the production of counterfeit and unregistered products.
NAFDAC’s latest discovery highlights the importance of continued monitoring of beverage production and distribution channels to protect consumers from potentially unsafe products.
