NAFDAC Arrests Owner of Illegal Alcohol Factory in Lagos

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has discovered an illegal manufacturer of alcohol drinks in Badagry, Lagos State. 

A statement by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant Sayo Akintola said that NAFDAC’s enforcement officers, aided by intelligence from the Nigerian Army’s 15 Field Engineering Regiment in Badagry, had dismantled the operations of Mr. Chinedu Okafor, an illegal drinks manufacturer operating from his residence at No. 24, MTN Road, Badagry.  

The agency said that Okafor will face prosecution, in addition to having all offending products estimated at N50 million destroyed.

According to NAFDAC, Mr. Okafor’s suspicious activities caught the attention of the Nigerian Army, which gave information leading to his arrest and subsequent handover to NAFDAC’S officers at the Ports Inspection Directorate, Seme Border. 

The statement said: ‘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 this criminal activity, which has potentially compromised regulated alcohol drinks in the Badagry area. 

“NAFDAC emphasizes the need for public vigilance and urges citizens to report suspicious activities to safeguard public health. Mr. Okafor will face prosecution, and all offending products will be destroyed, with an estimated value exceeding fifty million naira (₦50,000,000)”. 

NAFDAC explained that drinking of adulterated alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and dizziness, blue tinged or pale skin, irregular or slow breathing, low body temperature, unconsciousness or passing out. It can also lead to kidney and liver failure or even DEATH. Methanol, a substance which can be used in fake vodka, may cause permanent blindness. 

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. 

Furthermore, 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.

While urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, the agency is also tasking consumers to always scrutinize branded drinks to distinguish them from counterfeits before consuming them.

“NAFDAC wishes to advise that members of the public should shine their eyes and think about the “4 Ps” before buying of alcohol”: