Again, NAFDAC Shuts 250 Factories Producing Fake Drinks In Abia

The infamous Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, has once more been closed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

This latest action is the second in two years, NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said in a statement on Tuesday.

In its most recent operation, titled Operation Clean Up Aba, NAFDAC also discovered and seize fake and substandard food and beverages worth more than $5 billion, according to her description of the raid as “the most decisive action in the history of the market.”

Adeyeye praised this as a significant step in preventing the spread of fake goods in Nigeria and protecting the public.

During the operation, over 240 makeshift factories were said to have been discovered, producing counterfeit products under unsanitary conditions.

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Adeyeye stated that these factories used harmful chemicals, contaminated water and recycled bottles to manufacture fake versions of popular brands, including Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk and Hollandia Yoghurt.

“These criminal elements use unhygienic sources of water, saccharin, colouring agents, and harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption. Instead of grapes or fruits, alcoholic beverages are more expensive and contain cheaper sugars and starches, Adeyeye explained.

She added that more than 1,500 cartons of fake goods were seized and destroyed on-site, with estimated street value of $5 billion for the goods overall.

The NAFDAC boss noted that the operation also resulted in the discovery of three warehouses filled with expired Hollandia Yoghurt for revalidation on January 22.

She praised the Abia State Government, which is led by Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the raid, and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products to the NAFDAC office the next day.

The Director-General cited the unwavering support of Aba South’s mayor, the governor, and the interim market management committee as contributing to Operation Clean Up Aba’s success.

According to Adeyeye, “we are determined to rid markets of fake and subpar products and safeguard the health of the country.”

Source: Channels TV