NAFDAC Busts Counterfeit Drinks Operation in Lagos, Two Suspects Held

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully exposed a suspected facility engaged in the illicit production of counterfeit beverages located within Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State. This operation reportedly involved the re-labelling of expired drinks, specifically including popular brands such as Bullet Energy Drink, Don Julio tequila, and Jameson whiskey. Two individuals were taken into custody at the scene; however, their identities were not made public at the time of this report.

A video shared by the agency on its official X handle on Tuesday showcased the seized products, confirming the presence of items like Bullet Energy drink, the well-known Don Julio tequila, and Jameson drink, among others. NAFDAC's accompanying tweet stated: "#HappeningNow: NAFDAC has uncovered a suspected counterfeit production facility at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State. Two suspects were arrested at the scene while allegedly revalidating energy drinks and popular wine and whisky brands. More details to follow shortly."

During the raid, NAFDAC operatives expressed their dismay over the discovery, with one official voicing frustration about public accusations of the agency's ineffectiveness. The video footage captured various sections of the facility, where operatives could be heard speaking over each other, highlighting the danger. "Bullets that we drink. This is the energy drink that millions of Nigerians take every day. What are they doing? They are revalidating it here, removing the expired labels," an operative explained, as the camera panned over stacks of energy drink packs, both revalidated and original.

The disturbing visuals also revealed an array of bottles, chemical substances, and packaging materials strewn across the premises. An operative elaborated on the suspects' modus operandi, stating, "They go to bars and various nightclubs; they liaise with the bar managers and sell these to them for counterfeiting." He further lamented, "They want to kill Nigerians. At the end of the day, they will say NAFDAC is not working. This is just one out of the millions of these."

This recent discovery follows previous enforcement actions by NAFDAC. The PUNCH previously reported that the agency had confiscated alcoholic beverages valued at approximately N300 million. These products were packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, which are prohibited. Those operations led to arrests of distributors and retailers in Lagos State, specifically targeting Ile-Epo Market, Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island.