NAFDAC Dismantles Illegal Alcohol Production Ring, Arrests Two Suspected Counterfeiters in Lagos
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested two suspected counterfeiters following the discovery and dismantling of two illegal alcoholic beverage production centres in the Mushin area of Lagos State, as part of its ongoing nationwide crackdown on counterfeit and unsafe products.
The suspects, identified as Uchenna Ekezie and Peter Okparalgbo, were apprehended during separate intelligence-led enforcement operations carried out by the Agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, disclosed that operatives recovered large quantities of suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages from shops, storage facilities and an illegal production site.
Among the products seized were counterfeit versions of several premium local and international brands, including Hennessy, William Lawson’s, Don Julio, Martell, Rémy Martin, Flirt Vodka, Lords Gin, Imperial Blue, Gordon’s, Jack Daniel’s, Best Whisky, Eagle Gin, Aman Tequila, The Macallan Scotch Whisky, Casmero Whisky, 501 and Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
NAFDAC also confiscated bottles, labels, packaging materials and production equipment allegedly used in manufacturing and packaging the fake alcoholic beverages.
According to Dr. Iluyomade, the suspects admitted during interrogation to producing the counterfeit products. He added that all recovered items had been secured as exhibits while investigations continue ahead of prosecution.
In a separate enforcement exercise, the Agency uncovered more than 450 cartons of expired salad cream stored at two locations within Oke Arin Market in Lagos.
The expired food products, some of which had expired since 2024, were immediately evacuated to prevent them from reaching consumers.
NAFDAC also invited the owner of the products for questioning, while several shops found stocking unregistered, banned or improperly stored products were sealed pending further investigation.
The Agency reiterated its commitment to protecting public health by intensifying surveillance and enforcement operations against counterfeit, expired and substandard food, drinks and regulated products across the country.
NAFDAC urged members of the public to remain vigilant, purchase regulated products only from authorised outlets, and promptly report any suspected counterfeit or unsafe products to the Agency.
NAFDAC Dismantles Illegal Alcohol Production Ring, Arrests Two Suspected Counterfeiters in Lagos