The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit packaging materials valued at more than ₦200 million during a raid on five shops at Old Court Road Market in Aba, Abia State.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday following credible intelligence, targeted shops suspected of producing and supplying counterfeit packaging materials bearing the names and identities of popular alcoholic beverage brands and other consumer products.
According to the agency, the items recovered included counterfeit labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials bearing the names of several well-known brands, including Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.
Packaging materials bearing the name of Goya Oil were also among the items seized during the operation.
NAFDAC said the estimated value of the seized materials exceeded ₦200 million, highlighting the scale of the suspected counterfeiting activities uncovered at the market.
The agency’s Investigation and Enforcement operatives reportedly encountered threats and resistance from some traders during the operation, making the evacuation of the seized materials difficult.
The owners of the five shops were reportedly absent when the enforcement team arrived. Consequently, the premises were placed on hold to prevent interference with the materials remaining inside.
As part of efforts to secure the locations and facilitate further investigation, NAFDAC invited the chairman of the market union, who pledged to ensure the security of the affected premises and assist the agency in identifying and presenting the shop owners.
The operation comes amid concerns over the circulation of counterfeit products and the potential risks associated with the misuse of packaging bearing the identities of established brands.
Counterfeit packaging materials can potentially be used to disguise substandard, adulterated or unregulated products as genuine goods, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish authentic products from fakes.
NAFDAC’s seizure is expected to support further investigations into the alleged activities and the individuals responsible for the production and supply of the materials.
The agency has yet to disclose the identities of the shop owners or announce any arrests in connection with the operation.
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