The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has seized counterfeit packaging materials worth more than ₦200 million from five shops at Old Court Road Market in Aba, Abia State.
The agency said the materials were allegedly intended for the production and supply of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and other products.
In a statement, NAFDAC said its Investigation and Enforcement operatives raided the shops following credible intelligence about suspected counterfeit packaging operations.
The seized materials included labels, corks, packs and outer packaging bearing the names of popular brands, including Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.
According to the agency, its operatives encountered threats and resistance from traders during the operation, making it difficult to evacuate the seized materials.
NAFDAC said the owners of the five shops were absent during the raid, adding that the premises had been placed on hold to prevent interference with the items remaining inside.
The agency said it had invited the market union chairman, who pledged to help secure the sealed premises and assist in identifying and producing the shop owners.
The operation forms part of the agency’s enforcement efforts against suspected counterfeit packaging used in the production and supply of fake consumer products.
