NAFDAC shuts down five shops, seizes fake packaging worth ₦200m in Aba

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has taken fake packaging materials worth over ₦200 million from five shops at Old Court Road Market in Aba, Abia State.

The agency said these materials were meant for making and distributing fake alcoholic drinks and other products. The items included labels, corks, packs, and outer packaging with names of well-known brands.

In a statement on Wednesday, NAFDAC explained that its Investigation and Enforcement operatives raided the shops after receiving reliable information about counterfeit packaging activities.

The statement said, "Today, NAFDAC, acting on credible intelligence, raided five shops at Old Court Road Market, Aba, Abia State, suspected of producing and supplying counterfeit packaging materials for popular alcoholic beverages and other products."

The brands affected include Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron, and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.

"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 ₦200 million."

According to the agency, its operatives faced threats and resistance from traders during the operation. This made it hard to remove the seized materials.

"During the operation, NAFDAC’s Investigation & Enforcement operatives encountered threats and resistance from traders, making the evacuation of the seized materials challenging. The owners of the five shops were absent, and the premises were placed on hold to prevent interference with the items remaining inside."

The agency also mentioned that it had invited the market union chairman. He promised to ensure the safety of the sealed shops and help identify the owners.

"NAFDAC issued an invitation to the Market Union Chairman, who pledged to ensure the security of the sealed premises and assist the Agency in identifying and presenting the shop owners."