The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and dismantled two illegal alcohol production centres in Lagos State, seizing counterfeit and adulterated beverages valued at about N350 million.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said the enforcement operation was carried out following credible intelligence, leading to coordinated raids at Zamfara Plaza, the Trade Fair Complex, and parts of Lagos Island.
NAFDAC operatives recovered more than 1,800 cartons of fake alcoholic drinks during the exercise. At the Trade Fair Complex, officials discovered makeshift factories where illicit products were being produced using plastic mixing tanks, crude filtration systems, and recycled branded bottles, alongside counterfeit labels, corks, and packaging materials.
In a related operation on Lagos Island, enforcement officers arrested a suspect allegedly involved in the distribution of the adulterated drinks through a retail outlet. All seized items have been confiscated and moved for further regulatory action, while investigations are ongoing.
The agency warned that consuming adulterated alcohol poses severe health dangers, including poisoning, organ failure, and even death. It reiterated its commitment to clamping down on counterfeit food and drink products and ensuring offenders are prosecuted in line with the law.
NAFDAC also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by purchasing only from authorised vendors and reporting suspicious products or activities to its offices nationwide or via its toll-free line, 0800-1-NAFDAC.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of illicit alcohol in Nigeria. Industry stakeholders, including the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria, have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement, tighter regulation, and increased public awareness to curb the threat posed to public health, government revenue, and legitimate businesses.