NAFDAC Unleashes Operation: Exposing Abia State’s Counterfeit Beverage Cartel

Infostride News has reported on a significant breakthrough by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Aba, Abia State. This federal agency successfully uncovered and dismantled a notorious counterfeit beverage syndicate operating within the Eziukwu Market, commonly known as Cemetery Market. This intervention by NAFDAC comes after weeks of strategic intelligence gathering and collaboration with various security agencies to address the long-standing criminal activities rampant in the market.

The counterfeit beverage syndicate, operating like a well-established cartel, was involved in the production of a wide range of fake beverages, including wines, soft drinks, and various consumables. NAFDAC’s intelligence efforts revealed the sophistication of their operation, which had been ongoing for an extended period. The criminals operated with a network-like structure, intimidating anyone who dared to challenge their illicit activities.

The nefarious activities of the counterfeiters encompassed the production of adulterated products under various brand names. These included popular names 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. Shockingly, there were instances of date revalidation for expired products like Peak milk, powdered milk, ketchups, yoghurt, Coca-Cola products, and the packaging of fake and substandard items, all of which were being sold to unsuspecting consumers.

NAFDAC’s intervention involved a raid on over 240 shops that had been transformed into makeshift factories for the production and marketing of these harmful products. These shops, now revealed as unsanitary, were utilizing water from unhygienic sources, harmful chemicals, saccharin, coloring, dirty recycled bottles, and cloned packaging materials from reputable brands. During the operation, more than 1500 cartons of the fake and substandard products were destroyed on-site, with an additional 300 cartons evacuated to NAFDAC’s warehouse.

The estimated street value of the confiscated and destroyed fake products is staggering, reaching over seven hundred and fifty million naira (N750,000,000). In connection with the operation, ten individuals were apprehended at the scene and will face legal charges following a thorough investigation.

Recognizing the magnitude of the illicit activities in the market, NAFDAC took the decisive step of temporarily shutting down the entire market for comprehensive regulatory activities. The market was only reopened after stakeholders committed to preventing any recurrence of such criminal operations.

The health risks associated with consuming adulterated alcohol are severe, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, and, in extreme cases, kidney and liver failure or death. Particularly alarming is the use of methanol, a substance found in fake vodka, which can cause permanent blindness. The World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health highlights the global impact of alcohol poisoning, with more than three million deaths worldwide. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also identifies alcohol consumption, especially adulterated alcohol, as a contributor to cancer cases.

In response to these findings, NAFDAC issued recommendations to the public, urging Nigerians to stay vigilant and scrutinize branded drinks for authenticity before consumption. The agency emphasizes the “4 Ps” for consumers during this festive season:

1. **Place**: Buy only NAFDAC registered drinks from reputable and licensed retailers, bars, and supermarkets.
2. **Price**: Be cautious if the product is significantly underpriced or lacks proper taxes on liquors.
3. **Packaging**: Check for poor quality packaging, spelling mistakes, unusual bottle shapes, missing contact information, or damaged seals.
4. **Product**: Beware of bad smells; if it smells like paint stripper or nail polish remover, it may be unsafe.

NAFDAC reiterates its commitment to eradicating fake and substandard products and urges the public to report any suspicious activities related to illegal production to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide. Infostride News will continue to monitor and report on developments related to this significant intervention by NAFDAC in the fight against counterfeit products.