The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit packaging materials valued at over ₦200 million from five shops at Old Court Road Market in Aba, Abia State, following an operation targeting suspected counterfeit packaging activities.
The agency said the materials were allegedly intended for the production and supply of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and other products, with packaging bearing the names of several popular brands.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NAFDAC disclosed that its Investigation and Enforcement operatives raided the shops after receiving credible intelligence about suspected counterfeit packaging operations in the market.
According to the agency, the operation uncovered counterfeit labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials bearing the names of brands including Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.
“The packaging materials seized were estimated to be worth over ₦200 million,” the agency said.
NAFDAC Operatives Face Resistance During Aba Raid
NAFDAC said its operatives encountered threats and resistance from traders during the operation, making it difficult to evacuate the seized materials from the affected shops.
The agency also disclosed that the owners of the five shops were absent when its enforcement team arrived.
To prevent interference with the remaining items, NAFDAC said the premises had been placed on hold and secured pending further action.
The agency subsequently invited the chairman of the market union, who pledged to help maintain security at the sealed shops and assist in identifying and presenting the shop owners to the agency.
Popular Alcoholic Beverage Brands Found on Counterfeit Packaging
The seized materials reportedly carried the names of several established alcoholic beverage brands, raising concerns about the potential use of counterfeit packaging to misrepresent products to consumers.
The brands identified by NAFDAC included Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps. Goya Oil was also among the brands whose names appeared on the recovered packaging materials.
Counterfeit packaging can make it difficult for consumers to distinguish genuine products from potentially fraudulent ones. When used to package counterfeit alcoholic beverages or other regulated products, such materials may also undermine product traceability and consumer confidence.
NAFDAC’s operation forms part of its enforcement efforts against suspected counterfeit production and distribution activities in Nigeria.
Market Union Asked to Assist Investigation
Following the raid, NAFDAC said the market union chairman had committed to protecting the sealed premises and helping the agency identify the owners of the affected shops.
The agency did not disclose the identities of the shop owners or announce any arrests in its statement.
The seizure underscores the challenges faced by regulators in tackling suspected counterfeit packaging operations, particularly where enforcement teams encounter resistance during raids.
NAFDAC’s investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the recovered materials and identify those responsible for the alleged activities.