The National Agency For Food, Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, officials have uncovered illegal alcohol production in Lagos, in what they termed one of the most significant crackdowns on counterfeit beverages in recent times.
NAFDAC also disclosed that adulterated products valued at approximately ₦350 million were also seized.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced that its enforcement teams dismantled two major syndicates operating from Zamfara Plaza within the Trade Fair Complex and parts of Lagos Island.
The coordinated operation followed credible intelligence reports that triggered a targeted raid on the facilities.
According to the agency, more than 1,800 cartons of fake and adulterated alcoholic beverages were recovered during the operation, alongside equipment allegedly used for large-scale counterfeiting.
At the Trade Fair Complex, enforcement operatives reportedly discovered makeshift production centres equipped with plastic mixing tanks, improvised filtration systems, and a significant stockpile of empty branded bottles, corks, labels, and packaging materials.
Officials said these materials were allegedly used to produce and package counterfeit alcoholic beverages designed to mimic well-known brands before being distributed across Lagos and potentially beyond.
The agency explained that the sophistication of the operation suggests an organized network aimed at flooding the market with substandard products, thereby deceiving unsuspecting consumers and undermining legitimate manufacturers.
As NAFDAC warned that the economic and public health implications are severe, adding that Counterfeit beverages not only erode consumer trust but also expose millions of Nigerians to potentially life-threatening substances.
In a related enforcement action on Lagos Island, NAFDAC officials arrested a suspect believed to be linked to the production and retail distribution of the adulterated alcoholic beverages.
The agency confirmed that all confiscated products have been evacuated to secure facilities for further laboratory analysis and regulatory action.
While investigations are ongoing, authorities indicated that those found culpable will face prosecution under relevant food and drug safety laws.
The agency reiterated that the crackdown demonstrates its resolve to protect public health and preserve the integrity of regulated products in Nigeria’s marketplace.
Experts warn that the consumption of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages can result in severe health complications, including poisoning, organ failure, blindness, and even death.
Unregulated alcohol often contains dangerous substances such as methanol, a toxic compound that can cause irreversible damage when ingested.
NAFDAC emphasized that the risks are not theoretical. In previous cases across Nigeria and other countries, the consumption of fake alcoholic beverages has led to mass hospitalizations and fatalities.
The agency warned consumers to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing suspiciously cheap or poorly packaged products.
