A significant bust by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has led to the discovery of a major illegal operation in Lagos, where counterfeit and expired alcoholic beverages were being sold. The operation, which involved the falsification of well-known alcohol brands such as Hennessy, William Lawson, Baileys, Martell, St. Remy, and Jameson, came to light after authorities apprehended Madu Abuchi Simon, the suspect caught red-handed in the act of counterfeiting these popular drinks.
Upon investigating the premises, NAFDAC officers found several alarming items, including expired Amarula cream liquor, empty branded bottles and cartons, and various materials like stickers, stoves, buckets, and cotton wool. They also discovered a suspicious purple-colored chemical believed to be used in cleaning and reusing bottles. The suspect attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly arrested.
The authorities recovered and confiscated over 100 cartons of fake alcoholic beverages, valued at an estimated N114 million. The establishment has since been sealed off, and further investigations are underway. NAFDAC has urged consumers to only purchase alcoholic beverages from trusted vendors and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and consumer safety.
