The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested two suspected counterfeiters after dismantling illegal alcohol production operations in Mushin, Lagos State, recovering large quantities of fake premium alcoholic beverages and production equipment.
The suspects, identified as Uchenna Ekezie and Peter Okparalgbo, were apprehended during separate enforcement operations carried out by the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, said the raids led to the seizure of suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks bearing both local and international premium brands from shops, storage facilities and an illegal production site.
Among the products recovered were Hennessy, William Lawson’s, Don Julio, Martell, Rémy Martin, Flirt Vodka, Lords Gin, Imperial Blue, Gordon’s, Jack Daniel’s, Best Whisky, Eagle Gin, Aman Tequila, The Macallan Scotch Whisky, Casmero Whisky, 501 and Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
NAFDAC also confiscated bottles, labels, packaging materials and other equipment allegedly used in producing the fake alcoholic beverages.
According to Iluyomade, both suspects admitted during interrogation to manufacturing the counterfeit products. He added that all recovered items had been secured as exhibits while investigations continue ahead of their prosecution.
In a separate enforcement exercise, NAFDAC uncovered more than 450 cartons of expired salad cream stored at two locations in Oke Arin Market, Lagos.
The agency said some of the products had expired as far back as 2024 and were immediately evacuated to prevent their sale to unsuspecting consumers.
Iluyomade disclosed that the owner of the expired products had been invited for questioning, while several shops found stocking unregistered or banned products, or operating under poor storage conditions, were sealed pending further investigation.
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