….Uncovers N2bn Fake Alcohol Operation
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has sealed 179 establishments, arrested 52 suspects and recorded 821 product seizure entries between January and August 2026 as part of its crackdown on substandard, falsified and unsafe regulated products.
According to enforcement data released on Wednesday by NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency conducted 213 raids, opened 474 new cases and imposed 218 administrative sanctions during the eight-month period.
The report, compiled by NAFDAC’s Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement, showed that 295 cases were concluded within the period, while 157 surveillance activities and 22 product destruction exercises were also recorded.
The enforcement operations covered food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, drinks and chemicals.
A breakdown of the product seizure entries showed that cosmetics accounted for the highest number, with 401 entries, followed by drinks with 215 and drugs with 112. Cosmetics also accounted for 64 of the 179 establishments sealed, while drinks featured in 67 of the 213 raids conducted during the period.
NAFDAC clarified that the figures represented recorded seizure entries across product categories and did not necessarily indicate the physical quantity or monetary value of the products seized.
Beyond raids and seizures, the agency said its enforcement activities included placing products on hold, collecting samples for laboratory analysis, interrogating suspects and referring cases for legal action where applicable.
The agency explained that these measures were aimed at identifying suspected regulatory violations, gathering evidence and preventing the continued distribution of potentially harmful products.
“A breakdown of reported product seizure entries reveals that cosmetics accounted for the highest number of recorded product seizure entries, with 401 entries, followed by drinks with 215 and drugs with 112. These figures reflect the distribution of reported enforcement activities across product categories and do not, by themselves, represent the physical quantity or monetary value of products seized,” NAFDAC said.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, NAFDAC uncovered counterfeit alcohol operation at Lagos International Trade Fair Complex through a raid by its operatives from Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) Directorate.
The enforcement action, executed on the basis of credible intelligence resulted in the discovery of more than 20 illegal stores engaged in criminal operations within the complex.
A video shared by the agency on its X handle, showed where the officers found suspects in the process of blending and counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands, revalidating expired and unsafe beverages for resale, and stockpiling banned imported products.
NAFDAC said it apprehended two suspects from the scene, seized and evacuated products valued at over N2 billion.
The agency reiterated that it would continue to strengthen collaboration with government institutions, law enforcement agencies, state task forces and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and tackle the circulation of unregistered, falsified, substandard and unsafe products.
It further urged manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to comply with applicable regulations, ensure that products are registered where required, source goods through legitimate channels and observe prescribed labelling and storage conditions.
NAFDAC also advised consumers to purchase regulated products from reputable outlets, verify registration status through official NAFDAC channels where applicable and report suspected fake or unsafe products.
“Consumers should not hesitate to report suspicious products or adverse reactions through NAFDAC’s established reporting channels. Timely reporting can support regulatory investigations and help prevent further harm,” it added.
