NAFDAC Seizes Fake Product Packaging Worth Over ₦200 Million in Aba Market Raid
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed five shops at Old Court Road Market in Aba, Abia State, after uncovering suspected counterfeit packaging materials valued at more than ₦200 million.
The agency said its Investigation and Enforcement operatives conducted the raid on Wednesday, October 14, following intelligence that the shops were allegedly involved in producing and supplying fake packaging for alcoholic beverages and other consumer products.
Items recovered included counterfeit labels, corks, packs and outer packaging bearing the names of popular brands such as Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.
NAFDAC said its operatives encountered threats and resistance from some traders during the operation, making it difficult to evacuate the seized materials. The owners of the five shops were absent, and the premises were sealed to prevent interference with items remaining inside.
The agency has invited the market union chairman, who reportedly pledged to help secure the premises and assist in identifying and presenting the shop owners.
Counterfeit packaging can allow fake, adulterated or unregulated products to be passed off as genuine goods, potentially exposing consumers to health risks. NAFDAC has yet to publicly identify the shop owners or announce arrests linked to the Aba operation.
