The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks production facility containing equipment and materials valued at over ₦500 million in Abia State.
The facility, located at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, was discovered following credible intelligence.
According to NAFDAC, the facility was operating under unhygienic conditions.
The Agency disclosed that the suspected operator fled upon the arrival of its officials, abandoning a vehicle containing counterfeit packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, as well as empty bottles and a drum containing approximately 200 litres of liquid.
Inside the facility, officials found counterfeit packaging materials, bottle caps, sealing machines, empty bottles, cartons, tanks containing various liquid concoctions and dirty sieves reportedly used in the production process.
Other items discovered included plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol, as well as drums containing ethanol in which tree bark had been immersed.
NAFDAC warned that the discovery raised serious concerns about the safety and quality of the products being manufactured at the facility.
“The estimated value of the equipment, materials, and facility components is over ₦500 million,” it said.
The Agency urged members of the public to provide credible information about suspected illegal manufacturing activities through its call centre on 08001623322 or 07001623322, or via email at reforms@nafdac.gov.ng.
