NAFDAC busts counterfeit alcoholic drinks factory in Aba

NAFDAC has uncovered a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks production facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, Abia State.

Acting on credible intelligence, officials discovered the facility operating in unhygienic conditions. The suspected operator reportedly fled upon the team’s arrival, abandoning a vehicle where officials found counterfeit packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, 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. Officials also discovered plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol and tree bark immersed in ethanol, raising serious concerns about the safety and quality of the products being produced.

The estimated value of the equipment, materials and facility components is over ₦500 million. The agency urged members of the public to provide credible information on suspected illegal manufacturing activities to the NAFDAC Call Centre on 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, or email reforms@nafdac.gov.ng.