The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit packaging materials for alcoholic drinks, estimated to be worth over N200 million, during a raid on shops in Aba, Abia State.
The agency disclosed this in a post on its X handle on Wednesday. It said its officials raided five shops at the Old Court Road market in Aba. According to NAFDAC, the operation followed credible intelligence about the production and supply of counterfeit packaging materials in the market.
The agency said the items recovered during the raid included fake labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials, all bearing the names of several brands. In the same post, NAFDAC gave details of what the operation uncovered and the estimated value of the materials, stating:
“The operation uncovered counterfeit labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials bearing the names of several brands, including Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps. The packaging materials seized were estimated to be worth over N200 million.”
NAFDAC further stated that its investigation and enforcement operatives encountered threats and resistance from traders during the operation. The agency said this made it difficult for its officials to evacuate the seized materials from the scene.
The agency also disclosed that the owners of the five shops were absent at the time of the raid. As a result, the premises were placed on hold to prevent interference with the items left inside.
NAFDAC said that, following the operation, it invited the chairman of the market union. According to the agency, the chairman pledged to ensure the security of the sealed premises and to assist in identifying the owners of the shops.