- Safiu Kehinde
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops while confiscating N5 billion worth of fake beverages and food items at Eziukwu market at Aba area of Anambra state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the agency on its official X handle on Wednesday.
According to the statement, NAFDAC had mobilized its operatives for a two-day raid on the market over suspected production of counterfeit products.
The raid which lasted between 16th to 17th of December led to the discovery of the large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods at the market which has been described as hub for counterfeit and substandard products.
As seen in videos attached to the post, the NAFDAC operatives uncovered fake carbonated drinks, wines, and beverages such as Coca-cola, Four Cousins, Jameson, Fanta, Cowbell Milk, Ovaltine, Milksi, and several brands of Peak Milk amongst others.
Also discovered are revalidated food items such as noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt.
According to the statement, NAFDAC Director, South-East Zone, Dr. Martins Iluyomade expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities, despite a previous undertaking signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof.Mojisola Adeyeye, however, reaffirmed the agency’s zero tolerance for such practices and emphasises its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health while working toward a permanent solution to the problem of counterfeit products in the market.