The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested a man, Anthony Chidi, for producing counterfeit alcoholic beverages under unhygienic conditions in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The arrest took place at Mile 3 Market, Diobu, a well-known area in the city.
NAFDAC’s officials raided a filthy shop where Chidi was found washing and reusing old bottles of popular alcoholic brands. According to a statement from the agency, he was refilling these bottles with unhealthy drinks meant for resale to unsuspecting customers. The agency described the conditions in the shop as highly unsanitary, raising concerns about the potential health risks posed by the fake alcoholic drinks.
During the raid, NAFDAC officials discovered various items used in the illegal production of the counterfeit alcohol. These included dirty empty bottles, ethanol (a chemical often used in alcoholic drinks), bottle caps, and other packaging materials. All of these materials were confiscated for further investigation.
Chidi reportedly admitted to running the illegal alcohol production operation for over a year. He explained that he sourced labels from Aba, a major commercial city in Abia State, and purchased used bottles to refill them with harmful drinks. NAFDAC’s prompt action in apprehending him has helped to prevent the spread of these dangerous counterfeit products to the market.
This case highlights the ongoing problem of fake products in Nigeria, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Counterfeit goods are a major concern, as they pose serious health risks to consumers. The production and sale of fake alcoholic drinks are particularly worrying because of the potential for poisoning and other health issues. Unregulated alcohol production can lead to toxic drinks being sold to the public, often without any warning about the harmful ingredients used.
In response to the increasing prevalence of counterfeit goods, NAFDAC has stepped up its efforts to curb illegal activities in the country’s food and drug sectors. The agency has warned that it will continue to conduct regular raids and investigations to identify and arrest individuals involved in the illegal production and sale of fake products. The public is also encouraged to report suspicious activities to help combat the spread of counterfeit goods.
NAFDAC’s efforts are in line with its mandate to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of food, drugs, and beverages in Nigeria. The agency has been at the forefront of controlling the sale of unapproved and harmful substances in the country. By targeting illegal manufacturing operations like the one in Port Harcourt, NAFDAC aims to protect Nigerians from the dangers of fake products that could cause serious harm.
The raid also highlights the broader problem of unregulated businesses operating in Nigeria, where poor enforcement of safety standards can sometimes lead to dangerous practices going unnoticed for extended periods. The market in Mile 3, Port Harcourt, is known for its wide variety of goods, and incidents like this show that counterfeiters often take advantage of busy markets to distribute harmful products.
Consumers are advised to be cautious when purchasing alcoholic beverages and to always check for proper packaging, labels, and certification marks that indicate the product is safe for consumption. The public is urged to support NAFDAC’s efforts by reporting any suspected illegal activities related to food, drugs, or beverages to the agency.
For now, Chidi remains in NAFDAC’s custody, and investigations are ongoing. The agency is determined to uncover the full extent of the operation and to ensure that anyone involved in this illegal trade is held accountable. NAFDAC has vowed to continue its crackdown on counterfeit goods and reassured Nigerians that it will remain vigilant in its mission to protect the public from unsafe products.
The arrest of Anthony Chidi is just one example of how NAFDAC is working to safeguard public health. The agency has been actively engaged in identifying and shutting down illegal operations that endanger the safety of Nigerians. As the battle against counterfeit goods continues, it is clear that both NAFDAC and the general public must remain vigilant in protecting consumers from harmful products.
