By Ado Oyeyemi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has arrested two suspects over an alleged counterfeit drinks operation uncovered at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State.
The agency said the suspects were apprehended at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, where they were allegedly involved in the revalidation of energy drinks, wines and whisky brands.
NAFDAC disclosed the development in a post on its X account on Tuesday, alongside a video showing the items recovered from the premises.
The footage showed stacks of Bullet energy drink cans in a storage area, alongside loose cans, cardboard cartons and a large blue plastic barrel containing discarded materials.
Other items captured in the video included empty alcoholic beverage bottles, bottle caps, corks, printed labels and packaging materials scattered across the floor or stored in boxes and bags.
A bottle of Martell cognac was also visible among the recovered items, alongside plastic bags containing caps, seals and labels.
The agency said the suspects were arrested over their alleged involvement in the revalidation of energy drinks, wines and whisky brands at the facility.
The discovery has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with counterfeit beverages, particularly products that may be repackaged or relabelled and subsequently sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Such activities could undermine the authenticity of branded drinks and expose consumers to products whose contents and safety have not been properly established.
However, NAFDAC did not disclose the identities of the suspects or provide further details about the quantity of products recovered, the duration of the alleged operation or the next steps in the investigation.
The agency is responsible for regulating the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and packaged water in Nigeria.
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The arrest comes amid continuing concerns over the circulation of counterfeit and substandard products, highlighting the need for effective regulatory monitoring and enforcement to protect consumers.
