NAFDAC Uncovers Suspected ₦500m Fake Alcohol Factory in Aba, Operator Flees

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected illegal alcoholic beverage production facility in Aba, Abia State, where equipment and materials valued at more than ₦500 million were found.

The discovery was made at No. 25 Omenazu Street following intelligence received by the agency. NAFDAC said the facility was operating under unhygienic conditions, raising concerns about the safety of alcoholic drinks allegedly produced there.

The suspected operator reportedly fled when enforcement officers arrived, abandoning a vehicle containing packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, alongside empty bottles.

A search of the premises reportedly uncovered additional materials suspected to have been used in the production and packaging of alcoholic beverages. These included bottle caps, cartons, sealing machines, empty bottles, tanks containing liquid mixtures and dirty sieves.

NAFDAC operatives also found plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol, as well as tree bark immersed in ethanol. The agency said a drum containing approximately 200 litres of liquid was among the items discovered during the operation.

The presence of the materials and equipment prompted concerns about the methods allegedly used to prepare and package the drinks, particularly given the unhygienic conditions described by the agency.

The estimated value of the equipment, materials and other components recovered from the facility was put at more than ₦500 million. The suspected operator had reportedly not been apprehended at the time the discovery was announced.

The operation forms part of a wider enforcement effort by NAFDAC against suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages and other unsafe regulated products. The agency has intensified inspections and raids in several locations as it seeks to prevent potentially harmful products from reaching consumers.

In a separate operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, NAFDAC recently seized suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks and illegally repackaged products valued at about ₦2 billion. The agency said its operatives discovered more than 20 illegal stores allegedly involved in counterfeiting established beverage brands, revalidating expired drinks and storing prohibited imported products. Two suspects were arrested during that operation.

In Aba, the agency also raided five shops at Old Court Road Market over suspected counterfeit drinks and packaging materials valued at more than ₦700 million.

The discoveries have renewed concerns about the circulation of alcoholic beverages that may be packaged to resemble genuine brands, making it difficult for consumers to identify potentially unsafe products.

Counterfeit or adulterated alcoholic drinks can expose consumers to dangerous substances, particularly when their ingredients, production methods and storage conditions are unknown. Unsanitary manufacturing practices may also introduce contaminants that pose risks to public health.

NAFDAC has urged members of the public to provide credible information about suspected illegal manufacturing activities and the sale of unsafe products. The agency advised consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages and other regulated goods.

The agency provided the following channels for reporting suspicious activities: 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, as well as its official complaints email, [email protected].

The investigation into the Aba facility is expected to establish the source of the materials, the nature of the suspected production activities and those responsible for the operation.

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