NAFDAC Arrests Two Over Suspected Fake Alcohol, Energy Drinks in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested two men over the alleged production and repackaging of counterfeit alcoholic and energy drinks at a facility in Ojo, Lagos State, raising fresh concerns about the safety of beverages sold to consumers.

The suspects, identified as Chibuzor Okafor and William John, were arrested during a raid on a two-storey building at Zamfara Plaza, within the BBA Trade Fair Complex along the Badagry Expressway.

NAFDAC said the operation followed intelligence gathering and surveillance on suspected counterfeiters operating in the Trade Fair International Market.

Officers reportedly recovered drums, filters, packaging materials, a heating device and other equipment suspected to have been used in the illegal operation. Footage from the scene also showed stacked crates of Bullet energy drink cans, bottle caps, empty liquor bottles and containers bearing the Martell brand.

The agency has not publicly established the full details of all the products involved or the extent of the suspected operation.

NAFDAC Says Suspects Were Caught During Production

Speaking during the raid, Kunle Ojo, Assistant Director in NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, said officers found some of the suspects allegedly producing alcoholic drinks when they arrived at the facility.

He described the discovery as concerning and said the operation formed part of the agency’s efforts to protect Nigerians from potentially dangerous products.

Ojo also said NAFDAC had intensified enforcement activities ahead of the festive season, when demand for alcoholic beverages and other drinks typically increases.

He warned that counterfeit beverages could pose serious health risks, particularly when their ingredients, production conditions and quality have not been verified.

The agency said it would investigate the sources of the products and raw materials, as well as identify anyone suspected of financing or directing the operation.

Suspect Says Bottles Were Changed

One of the arrested men, Chibuzor Okafor, who described himself as a drinks dealer in the market, told Vanguard that he changed the bottles of some drinks because the original containers had been damaged.

Okafor said the contents were transferred into other bottles, presenting the activity as a response to damaged packaging.

However, NAFDAC said the operation involved suspected counterfeit production and repackaging. The agency has not publicly provided enough information to independently establish the contents or safety of every recovered bottle.

The investigation is expected to clarify the products involved, their origins and whether the repackaging breached applicable regulations.

NAFDAC Says Suspected Operators Had Relocated

Victoria Jennifer Akudu, Assistant Director and Head of Public Relations at the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, said the raid followed efforts to track suspected operators who had allegedly moved from an earlier location after enforcement action.

She said officers located the facility and entered through a back door during the latest operation.

According to Akudu, the agency regularly confiscates suspected counterfeit products and seals facilities linked to illegal manufacturing and distribution.

NAFDAC Deputy Director of Public Relations Christiana Obiazikwor also defended the agency’s enforcement efforts, saying some operations were not publicised in advance because doing so could alert suspected offenders or create unnecessary tension.

She urged Nigerians to report suspected counterfeit production and distribution directly to NAFDAC rather than relying on social media posts that may spread unverified information.

Obiazikwor added that the identities of people who provide credible information would be protected.

NAFDAC said the recovered products and materials would be transferred to its warehouse for further action, including destruction in line with established procedures where applicable. The agency also warned that those arrested could face administrative action and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The case highlights the importance of verifying the safety and authenticity of alcoholic and energy drinks, especially when products appear to be repackaged in containers associated with established brands.

Consumers should be cautious about beverages with suspicious seals, damaged packaging or uncertain sources and should report suspected counterfeit products to the relevant authorities.

For now, the allegations remain under investigation. The safety of the recovered products, the full scale of the operation and the possible involvement of others have yet to be publicly established.

Written by Boom RadioNG