Fake Alcoholic Beverages: NAFDAC Shuts Down 100 shops in Enugu’s Ogbete Market

The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down approximately 100 shops in Ogbete Main Market, the largest market in Enugu State, South-east Nigeria.

This action was taken due to the owners’ alleged involvement in selling suspected fake alcoholic beverages.

Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director for the South-east, reported that the shutdown occurred during a raid on Monday. The agency also confiscated a truckload of adulterated products and arrested four traders suspected of selling the fake beverages.

Iluyomade stated, “We stormed the popular Ogbete Main Market, Enugu in Enugu State since Friday and have shut down 100 shops which have been identified for selling fake alcoholic beverages. Arrests were made and the suspects are currently in custody.”

He emphasized that the fake alcoholic beverages were being sold to unsuspecting customers, but NAFDAC is determined to eliminate these harmful products from the market.

The arrested suspects will face charges upon the completion of the ongoing investigation. Iluyomade explained that the raid aligns with NAFDAC’s mandate to protect the health of Nigerians and eliminate “unwholesome, substandard, fake, and adulterated products” from the South-east region.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service, and the Nigerian Army.