NAFDAC Finds Over 100 Sacks of Bottles in Lagos Building

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a residential building in Lagos allegedly used to store empty alcoholic beverage bottles suspected to be intended for counterfeit drink production.

The agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate discovered more than 100 sacks of bottles at 322B Meiran Road, Agbado Oke-Odo, during an operation following intelligence reports.

According to NAFDAC, the bottles included different brands and sizes, among them Action Bitter and Royal Circle Premium Whisky. The agency said the bottles were destroyed to prevent their possible reuse in the production and packaging of counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

Assistant Director Kunle Ojo, who spoke in a video released by the agency, said officials found various bottles stacked inside the building and covered with tarpaulins. The discovery raised concerns about the possible supply of empty branded bottles to individuals involved in the production of fake drinks.

The operation highlights a key aspect of counterfeit beverage production: the reuse of empty bottles bearing recognised brand names can make fake products appear genuine and mislead consumers about what they are buying.

NAFDAC has continued enforcement operations against suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks and related packaging materials in Lagos and other parts of the country. The agency has warned that the circulation of fake or adulterated beverages poses risks to public health, particularly when consumers cannot establish the authenticity or safety of the products.

The latest discovery adds to concerns about the networks that may support counterfeit production, including the storage and supply of empty bottles and other packaging materials.

NAFDAC’s action was aimed at preventing the recovered bottles from being reused. The agency’s findings, however, do not by themselves establish who owned the bottles or confirm that the building’s occupants had produced counterfeit drinks.

Consumers are advised to purchase alcoholic beverages from reputable outlets and remain alert to suspicious packaging, labels and seals.

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