NAFDAC discovers suspected counterfeit alcohol bottle store in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has discovered over 100 sacks of empty alcoholic beverage bottles at a residence in Lagos, prompting suspicions of their use in producing counterfeit drinks. The bottles were found at a building on Meiran Road, Agbado Oke-Odo, during an enforcement operation by the agency's Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.

NAFDAC destroyed the bottles to prevent their reuse in packaging fake alcoholic beverages. Assistant Director Kunle Ojo revealed the discovery, which came after intelligence about activities at the property. The isolated residential neighbourhood where the building is located housed various materials, including empty bottles of brands like Action Bitter and Royal Circle Premium Whiskey.

Investigators suspect the bottles were collected for supply to counterfeiters who refill them with other substances and sell them as genuine alcoholic beverages. This discovery has raised concerns about the health risks associated with counterfeit alcohol, especially when it is packaged in branded containers that can mislead consumers.

NAFDAC condemned the alleged use of a residential building for such activities, emphasizing the importance of its efforts to protect public health and combat the production and distribution of counterfeit products. The agency encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods to the nearest NAFDAC office, as this information could aid enforcement officials in identifying and dismantling suspected counterfeiting operations.