The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit packaging materials worth over N200m during a raid on five shops at Old Court Road Market, Aba, Abia State.
The agency said the operation targeted suspected producers and suppliers of fake packaging materials bearing the names of popular alcoholic beverage brands and other consumer products.
“Today, NAFDAC, acting on credible intelligence, raided five shops at Old Court Road Market, Aba, Abia State, suspected of producing and supplying counterfeit packaging materials for popular alcoholic beverages and other products,” NAFDAC said.
NAFDAC said the raid, conducted following credible intelligence, uncovered counterfeit labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials bearing the names of Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.
A video shared by NAFDAC on its official X handle Wednesday night showed a display of packaging materials of different brands of alcoholic drinks by the enforcement officer.
The agency said its Investigation and Enforcement operatives encountered threats and resistance from traders during the operation, making the evacuation of the seized materials difficult.
According to NAFDAC, the owners of the five shops were absent during the raid, prompting the agency to place the premises on hold to prevent interference with the materials remaining inside.
The agency said it also invited the Market Union Chairman, who pledged to ensure the security of the sealed premises and assist in identifying and producing the shop owners.
“NAFDAC issued an invitation to the Market Union Chairman, who pledged to ensure the security of the sealed premises and assist the Agency in identifying and presenting the shop owners,” the agency said.
