The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested a man, Madu Abuchi Simon, for allegedly producing and distributing fake versions of popular alcoholic beverages in Lagos.
According to a statement posted by NAFDAC on its official X (formerly Twitter) page on Thursday, the suspect was caught falsifying brands like Hennessy, William Lawson, Baileys, Martell, St. Remy, and Jameson. The agency said the total value of the fake drinks seized was over N114 million.
The suspect reportedly attempted to escape when he noticed the arrival of NAFDAC operatives, but was quickly apprehended.
“A search of the premises revealed expired Amarula cream liqueur, empty branded bottles and cartons, brand stickers, stoves, buckets, cotton wool, and a purple-coloured chemical suspected to be used in cleaning and reusing the bottles,” the statement read.
Over 100 cartons of fake alcoholic drinks were confiscated from the illegal outlet, which has now been sealed by the agency. NAFDAC has launched a full investigation into the case.
The agency issued a strong warning to Nigerians, urging them to buy alcoholic drinks only from trusted sources and to report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“This is a serious public health risk. Consuming unverified or fake alcohol can lead to serious illness, long-term health problems, or even death. NAFDAC will not tolerate such criminal acts and will continue to protect consumers across Nigeria,” the statement said.
Counterfeit alcohol production has remained a concern in many parts of the country. In recent years, NAFDAC has intensified its raids and surveillance operations to clamp down on producers of fake food and drug products.
The arrest is seen as part of NAFDAC’s ongoing effort to ensure the safety of Nigerians and to uphold standards in the food and beverage industry.
