In a bid to further purge the country of fake and substandard products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), says the agency dismantled an illegal alcohol factory in Badagry, Lagos.
The agency in a statement on Sunday said NAFDAC enforcement team was aided by the Nigerian Army’s 15 Field Engineering Regiment in Badagry to carry out the operation.
It said the factory which belong to Mr Chinedu Okafor, an illegal drinks manufacturer operating from his residence at No. 24, MTN Road, Badagry will be persecuted.
It said:” 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 the criminal activity has potentially compromised regulated alcohol drinks in the area”.
NAFDAC emphasized the need for public vigilance and urges Nigerians to report suspicious activities to safeguard public health.
The agency warn Nigerians on the consumption of adulterated alcohol, adding that it can lead to kidney and liver failure or even death.
It added that should always consider the “4 Ps” (Place, Price, Packaging, Product) before buying any alcohol products.
“The World Health Organisation (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.
“The 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.
“Nigerians must remain vigilant and scrutinize branded drinks to distinguish them from counterfeits before consuming them,” it said.
NAFDAC will continue to ensure that the level of counterfeit products nationwide is brought to the nearest minimum so that our people will continue to consume only healthy and safe products.
The public is enjoined to report any suspicious activity of illegal producers of adulterated products or similar activities to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.