The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken significant action against the sale of fake alcoholic beverages in Enugu State. The agency has shut down approximately 100 shops in the Ogbete Main Market, alleging these shops were involved in selling suspected counterfeit alcohol. Additionally, a truckload of adulterated products was confiscated, and four traders were arrested during the operation.
The Director of NAFDAC’s South-East Zone, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, provided details about the raid and subsequent arrests on Monday. He mentioned that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court once the ongoing investigation is completed.
“The suspects are already in custody and will be charged to court after the ongoing investigation,” Mr. Iluyomade stated.
This operation is part of NAFDAC’s broader mission to protect public health by eliminating harmful, substandard, fake, and adulterated products from the market. The agency’s efforts are particularly focused on the South-East region, which has seen a surge in the circulation of such products.
“We stormed the popular Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, and have shut down 100 shops identified for selling fake alcoholic beverages. Arrests were made, and the suspects are currently in custody,” Mr. Iluyomade said. “This fake wine and alcoholic beverages are being sold to unsuspecting customers and the general public, but we are determined to rid the market of these unwholesome products.”
The operation was a well-coordinated effort involving multiple security agencies, including the Police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army. These agencies provided personnel and support, ensuring the raid’s success and the safe confiscation of the adulterated products.