The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raided a farm in Rivers that produces “fake” alcoholic drinks.
Usman Ameh, the Chief Laboratory Technologist, Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC Apapa, Lagos headquarters, told reporters during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
Ameh said during the raid, his men arrested two persons who were “specialised” producers and sellers of the fake alcoholic drinks.
He said:
“We have been able to seal about four facilities in this area, and we are going to seal more within the week to ensure we cut down on the illicit production.”
The NAFDAC official said the agency discovered materials, including gin, Brandy, and Schnapps labels and flavours.
He said:
“Other items found are empty bottles, their corks, different labels like Imperial blue, Red label, Gin label, champagne and Hennessy spirit bottles in packs with their labels.
“There were also different brands of cartons for packaging the illicit alcoholic products.
“We also saw all brands of alcoholic bottles on shelves and cartons like Gulder, Legend, Four cousins, a gas cylinder, and a stove for cooking chemicals as our exhibits.
“We also sealed a store where already produced illegal drinks are sold; the owner of the shop abandoned his shop and jumped a fence on sighting us.”
Adeniran Kazuum, the NAFDAC Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer, Apapa Lagos who also confirm the raid said the producers’ cartel has many branches all over Nigeria.
Kazuum further warned the creators of illegal drinks in the country to desist from the act or face the law.
