NAFDAC busts fake alcohol syndicates in Lagos, seizes US$258.9K worth of counterfeit drinks
NAFDAC dismantles illegal alcohol production sites in Lagos, seizing N350 million in counterfeit drinks amid growing concerns over health risks and Nigeria’s expanding illicit beverage market.
NIGERIA – National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and dismantled two illegal facilities involved in the production of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages in Lagos State, seizing products valued at approximately N350 million (US$258.9K).
The agency disclosed the development in a statement, noting that the enforcement action followed credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicates operating within key commercial hubs in the state.
According to NAFDAC, its operatives carried out coordinated raids at Zamfara Plaza in the Trade Fair Complex and parts of Lagos Island, where they recovered more than 1,800 cartons of fake alcoholic beverages.
At the Trade Fair Complex, officials discovered makeshift production lines equipped with plastic mixing tanks, improvised filtration systems, empty branded bottles, corks, and packaging materials used to produce and package counterfeit drinks.
In a separate operation on Lagos Island, one suspect was arrested in connection with the illicit production and distribution of fake alcohol through a retail outlet. The agency confirmed that all seized items had been confiscated and removed for further regulatory action.
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of adulterated alcoholic beverages poses serious health risks, including poisoning, organ damage, and potential death.
The agency stated: “Consumption of adulterated alcoholic beverages poses severe health risks, including poisoning, organ damage, and possible death.”
The crackdown highlights the persistent challenge of illicit alcohol trade in Nigeria, where counterfeit products continue to circulate despite regulatory enforcement efforts.
Data from the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria indicates that illicit trade accounts for about 40% of the country’s spirits and wine market, meaning nearly two out of every five bottles sold originate from unregulated sources.
Stakeholders have attributed the growth of the illicit market to factors including demand for cheaper alternatives, regulatory gaps, and taxation pressures, which create incentives for illegal operators. These products often bypass quality checks and safety standards, raising concerns about public health.
Beyond health risks, the trend also has economic implications, as illicit operators do not pay taxes, resulting in revenue losses for the government and undermining compliant businesses.
NAFDAC has intensified enforcement efforts in recent years, targeting counterfeit food, drugs, and beverages across major markets.
Earlier, the agency destroyed more than 600 tonnes of counterfeit, expired, and substandard products worth over N10 billion in Kano, underscoring its continued crackdown on unsafe goods.
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