NAFDAC Discovers N500m Counterfeit Alcohol Factory in Abia

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) uncovered a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks production facility in Aba, Abia State, valued at over N500m. The facility, located at No. 25 Omenazu Street, was operating under unhygienic conditions.

During the operation, NAFDAC officials discovered suspected counterfeit packaging materials, empty bottles, ethanol, and unidentified liquid mixtures. The suspected operator fled upon the arrival of NAFDAC officials, abandoning a vehicle containing packaging materials labeled with the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky.

The agency recovered sealing machines, bottle caps, cartons, tanks with various liquid mixtures, and dirty sieves believed to be used in production. Additionally, plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol and tree bark immersed in ethanol were found, raising serious health and safety concerns.

NAFDAC urged the public to report suspected illegal manufacturing activities and provided contact information for reporting.