NAFDAC Uncovers Suspected Fake Drinks Factory at Lagos Trade Fair Complex
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected counterfeit drinks production facility at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos State. The operation reportedly led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of equipment allegedly used to produce or repackage fake alcoholic and energy drinks.
The facility was discovered at Zamfara Plaza, within the BBA section of the Trade Fair Complex along the Badagry Expressway. According to NAFDAC, the raid followed intelligence gathering and surveillance on suspected counterfeit product operators in the market.
Two Suspects Arrested During NAFDAC Raid
NAFDAC officials arrested two men identified in the report as Okafor and John during the enforcement operation. The agency said the suspects were found in a two-storey building containing materials and equipment allegedly linked to the illegal production and repackaging of drinks.
Items reportedly recovered from the premises included drums, filters, packaging materials, a heating device and other tools suspected to have been used in the operation.
Speaking at the scene, Kunle Ojo, Assistant Director in NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, said officials encountered suspected operators carrying out the activity.
Ojo explained that the agency launched the operation to protect consumers from potentially dangerous products. He also warned that counterfeit beverages could pose serious public health risks, particularly when their contents and production conditions cannot be verified.
NAFDAC Investigates Sources of Fake Drinks
The agency said its investigation would focus on the origin of the drinks, the raw materials used in their production and the people allegedly financing or directing the operation.
NAFDAC also disclosed that recovered products and materials would be moved to its warehouse for further action. The agency said any destruction would follow the relevant procedures.
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Ojo added that the arrested suspects could face administrative action and legal proceedings, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
He urged Nigerians to provide credible information about suspected counterfeit manufacturing and distribution networks. According to him, the agency would protect the identities of people who report useful information.
Suspect Says Drinks Were Transferred Between Bottles
One of the arrested men, identified as Okafor, told Vanguard that he dealt in drinks and transferred their contents into other bottles.
He claimed that the practice involved replacing damaged drinks rather than simply changing bottles. However, the explanation does not independently establish the safety, authenticity or quality of the products allegedly recovered at the premises.
The allegations are expected to be examined as part of the agency’s investigation.
NAFDAC Defends Its Enforcement Activities
Christiana Obiazikwor, a deputy director in NAFDAC’s public relations unit, said the agency continued to conduct surveillance, seize suspected unregistered products and carry out enforcement operations across markets and other locations.
She explained that some operations were not publicised because advance publicity could alert suspected offenders or create difficulties for enforcement teams.
Obiazikwor said journalists were invited to observe the latest operation to demonstrate the agency’s activities and reassure the public that it was continuing to tackle counterfeit products.
She also encouraged consumers to report suspected fake drinks directly to NAFDAC instead of relying solely on social media posts or circulating unverified claims.
Victoria Jennifer Akudu, an assistant director responsible for public relations within the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, said the raid formed part of the agency’s routine efforts to identify illegal production sites.
Akudu added that the suspected operators had allegedly moved from an earlier location after enforcement action. She said officials continued tracking their activities before carrying out the latest operation.
Public Warned About Health Risks of Counterfeit Drinks
NAFDAC said counterfeit, adulterated and unregistered beverages remained a concern because consumers might not know what they contain or whether they were produced under appropriate quality controls.
Repackaging drinks in bottles associated with established brands can also make it difficult for consumers to identify products that may be unsafe or unauthorised.
The agency’s warning comes as beverage demand typically rises during the festive season. NAFDAC said it was intensifying enforcement efforts to prevent suspected counterfeit products from reaching consumers.
Consumers are advised to check product labels and packaging, buy beverages from reputable sellers and avoid products with suspicious seals, altered labels or signs of tampering. Anyone who suspects a drink is counterfeit should report it to NAFDAC for assessment.
The agency reiterated its commitment to investigating suspected illegal manufacturers and distributors, while the case involving the two arrested men remains subject to the relevant investigative and legal processes.
