Operatives of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have arrested a syndicate that specializes in the production of counterfeit wines, soft drinks, and other consumables in Eziukwu Market, Aba, Abia State.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the sting operation was carried out after several weeks of intelligence gathering and collation of data on the activities of the “merchants of death” in collaboration with other security agencies.
Adeyeye explained that the counterfeiters were found to have manufactured all kinds of adulterated products, including different kinds of wine from a wide variety of brands, ranging from Seaman, Schnapps, Henessy, Four Cousins, and Carlo Rossi.
Other brands include 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.
The DG also revealed that the counterfeiters revalidated expired products like Peak milk, powdered milk, Ketchups, Yoghurt, Coca-Cola products, and packaged fake and substandard products, which were later sold to unsuspecting members of the public for consumption.
The agency raided over 240 shops-turned-factories where the harmful products were being produced and marketed.
She said:
“It is worthy of note that this dastard act has been going on for a long time and that they operate like a cartel, threatening anyone who dares to challenge them.
The shops-turned factories are very filthy, using water from very unhygienic sources, harmful chemicals, saccharin, colouring, dirty recycled bottles, and cloned packaging materials of other brands.
“The adulteration of alcoholic beverages by criminal elements in the country is done by mixing of cheaper sources of sugar and starch besides grapes or fruits, among other harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption.
“Over 1,500 cartons of fake and substandard products were destroyed during the operation while 300 cartons were evacuated to the NAFDAC warehouse. The street value of the confiscated and destroyed fake products is estimated at over N750 million.
“Ten people were arrested on arrival at the scene of the crime and will be charged to court after a thorough investigation.
“Due to the sheer magnitude of illegality going on in that section of the market, NAFDAC had to shut the entire market for thorough regulatory activity until an agreement was reached with all stakeholders who signed that the market will never be used for nefarious activities.
“Drinking adulterated alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, blue-tinged or pale skin, irregular or slow breathing, low body temperature, unconsciousness or even death.
“It can also lead to kidney and liver failure. Methanol, a substance which can be used in fake vodka, may cause permanent blindness.”
