NAFDAC closes Aba market over fake beverage

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, following the discovery of large-scale production of counterfeit wines and beverages.

In a statement on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye said the operation, conducted in collaboration with the military, Department of State Services (DSS), and police, was aimed at eradicating harmful and substandard products in circulation.

“The operation targeted over 240 shops turned into makeshift factories producing counterfeit beverages under unhygienic conditions,” Adeyeye explained.

The raid uncovered that counterfeiters were using cheaper ingredients like sugar and starch, rather than authentic grapes or fruit, to manufacture fake alcoholic beverages. Harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption were also found.

Among the fake products were popular brands such as Seaman Schnapps, Hennessy, Carlo Rossi, Chelsea London Dry Gin, McDowell’s, Black Label, Campari, Smirnoff Ice, and Eva Non-Alcoholic Drink.

NAFDAC revealed that more than 1,500 cartons of fake products were destroyed, with their street value estimated at ₦750 million.

“The makeshift factories were filthy, using water from unhygienic sources, dirty recycled bottles, and cloned packaging materials,” Adeyeye said.

In December 2024, NAFDAC conducted a similar operation, seizing counterfeit products worth ₦5 billion, including adulterated soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Hollandia Yoghurt, as well as milk and chocolate drink brands.

NAFDAC reassured Nigerians of its commitment to protecting public health and urged consumers to report suspected fake or substandard products to the nearest NAFDAC office.