Operatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have arrested one Madu Abuchi Simon in Lagos State for allegedly producing counterfeit versions of popular alcoholic beverages. The agency announced on Thursday that it also confiscated fake drinks valued at over N114 million.
According to a statement posted on NAFDAC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the suspect was caught in the act of falsifying well-known brands including Hennessy, William Lawson, Baileys, Martell, St. Remy, and Jameson.
“A search of the premises revealed expired Amarula cream liqueur, empty branded bottles and cartons, stickers, stoves, buckets, cotton wool, and a purple-coloured chemical suspected to be used in cleaning and reusing bottles,” the agency stated.
NAFDAC noted that Simon attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by its operatives.
Over 100 cartons of assorted adulterated alcoholic beverages were seized and the production outlet has been sealed off. An investigation is currently underway.
NAFDAC urged consumers to purchase alcoholic drinks only from reputable vendors and report any suspicious activities to the nearest agency office.
“The agency remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard public health and ensure consumer safety,” the statement concluded.