In Abuja, operatives from the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have apprehended a syndicate specializing in the production of counterfeit wines, soft drinks, and other consumables at Eziukwu Market in Aba, Abia State.
Director-General Prof Mojisola Adeyeye disclosed this information in Abuja yesterday, noting that NAFDAC, in collaboration with other security agencies, conducted an extensive operation following weeks of intelligence gathering on the illicit activities of the syndicate.
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The NAFDAC boss described the criminals as a cartel that has been operating for a considerable period, intimidating those who challenge them. The illicit operations included the production of adulterated products, such as various brands of wine like 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.
Counterfeiters engaged in activities like revalidating expired products such as Peak milk, powdered milk, Ketchups, Yoghurt, Coca-Cola products, and packaging fake and substandard items for sale to unsuspecting consumers.
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The agency raided over 240 shops-turned-factories where harmful products were being produced and marketed. These makeshift factories were found to be unhygienic, using water from unsanitary sources, harmful chemicals, saccharin, colouring, dirty recycled bottles, and cloned packaging materials.
During the operation, over 1,500 cartons of fake and substandard products, valued at over N750 million, were destroyed. Additionally, 300 cartons were evacuated to the NAFDAC warehouse. Ten individuals were arrested on-site and will face charges after a thorough investigation.
Due to the magnitude of the illegality in that section of the market, NAFDAC temporarily shut down the entire market for regulatory activities. The market was later reopened after an agreement was reached with stakeholders who pledged not to engage in nefarious activities.
Adeyeye emphasized the health risks associated with consuming adulterated alcohol, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, skin discolouration, irregular breathing, unconsciousness, kidney and liver failure, and, in extreme cases, death. She highlighted the use of methanol, a substance found in fake vodka, which can lead to permanent blindness.
