The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has identified Eziukwu Market, also known as Cemetery Market, in Aba, Abia State, as a hub for the production and distribution of fake and substandard drinks and beverages.
This declaration came during a raid conducted on Tuesday, led by Mr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director.
Iluyomade described the market as a center for large-scale production and distribution of adulterated products, comparing the situation to “weapons of mass destruction.”

He noted that despite previous crackdowns, including a major operation in December 2023, illegal activities had continued unabated.
“It is baffling that individuals remain recalcitrant and determined to make money at the expense of the lives of their fellow citizens,” Iluyomade said.
He recalled that during the last operation, the market leadership signed an undertaking with NAFDAC to identify and expose those engaged in the illegal trade.
He added that the agency would revisit the agreement, stressing that market leaders now had “serious questions to answer.”
The NAFDAC official expressed deep concern over the volume of expired products being re-validated in the market.
He advised consumers to be vigilant when purchasing drinks and beverages to safeguard their health.
The raid uncovered a wide range of fake and adulterated products, including wines, whiskey, yogurt, carbonated drinks, chips, dry gin, and other beverages.
These items were either being produced in unsanitary conditions within the market or stored in areas where expired products were re-labeled with falsified expiry dates.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to clamping down on illegal production and urged the public to report suspicious activities to the agency.
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