NAFDAC busts counterfeit beverage facility, nabs two in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected counterfeit beverage production site at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State, leading to the arrest of two suspects, Daily Post reports.

The agency disclosed the development in a post on X on Tuesday, saying the suspects were allegedly involved in revalidating energy drinks as well as popular wine and whisky brands. A video released by NAFDAC showed stacks of Bullet energy drink cans piled in a storage area, alongside empty alcoholic beverage bottles, bottle caps, corks, labels and packaging materials scattered across the floor, with a bottle of Martell cognac also visible among the items.

The footage further captured a large plastic barrel containing discarded materials, printed labels and packaging materials displayed in what appeared to be an improvised production area, alongside the two suspects seated on the floor at the scene.

NAFDAC said the suspects were apprehended over their alleged involvement in revalidating the beverage brands. The discovery comes amid growing calls for stronger surveillance and regulatory enforcement to prevent counterfeit products from reaching Nigerian consumers, with concerns persisting over the safety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages repackaged without proper oversight.