NAFDAC uncover illegal alcohol factory in Lagos
A joint interagency operation headed by operatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal alcohol factory in Lagos.
NAFDAC enforcement officers, aided by intelligence from the Nigerian Army’s 15 Field Engineering Regiment in Badagry, dismantled the operations of Mr. Chinedu Okafor, an illegal drinks manufacturer operating from his residence at No. 24, MTN Road, Badagry.
Mr. Okafor’s suspicious activities caught the attention of the Nigerian Army, leading to his arrest and subsequent handover to NAFDAC officers at the Ports Inspection Directorate, Seme Border. Upon inspection, officers evacuated all equipment and materials used in the production of illicit drinks, and effectively shut down the illegal factory.
Investigations revealed that Mr. Okafor’s longstanding involvement in this criminal activity, which has potentially compromised regulated alcohol drinks in the Badagry area. NAFDAC emphasises the need for public vigilance and urges citizens to report suspicious activities to safeguard public health. Mr. Okafor will face prosecution, and all offending products will be destroyed, with an estimated value exceeding fifty million naira (N50,000,000).
Drinking adulterated alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and dizziness, blue tinged or pale skin, irregular or slow breathing, low body temperature, unconsciousness or passing out. It can also lead to kidney and liver failure or even DEATH. Methanol, a substance which can be used in fake vodka, may cause permanent blindness.
WHO, in their Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health estimated that more than three million people died all over the world as a result of alcohol poisoning. Furthermore, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) ascertained that one of every 10 cancer cases in Nigeria can be traced to Alcohol and 4.7 percent of overall cancer cases in Nigeria in 2019 can be attributed to consumption of adulterated alcohol.
While urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, “The agency is also tasking consumers to always scrutinize branded drinks to distinguish them from counterfeits before consuming them. NAFDAC wishes to advise that members of the public should shine their eyes and think about the 4 Ps before buying of alcohol:
“Place: Only buy only NAFDAC registered drinks
