The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a major counterfeit packaging operation in Aba, Abia State, seizing fake labels and packaging materials valued at more than ₦200 million.
The agency said the raid followed credible intelligence that some traders were producing and supplying counterfeit packaging materials for popular alcoholic beverages and other consumer products.
NAFDAC disclosed this in a post shared on its official X account on Wednesday.
It said its Investigation and Enforcement team raided five shops at Old Court Road Market in Aba during the operation.
According to the agency, the operatives recovered counterfeit labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials bearing the names of several popular brands.
The products included Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.
NAFDAC said the value of the fake packaging materials recovered during the raid was estimated at more than ₦200 million.
The agency revealed that its operatives came under threats and resistance from some traders while evacuating the seized items from the market.
It added that the owners of the five affected shops were absent during the enforcement exercise, prompting officials to seal the premises to protect the remaining exhibits.
NAFDAC said it later invited the Chairman of the Market Union, who pledged to safeguard the sealed shops and assist the agency in identifying and presenting the owners.
The agency has repeatedly warned that counterfeit packaging encourages the circulation of fake products, exposes consumers to serious health risks and undermines legitimate manufacturers.
NAFDAC said it remains committed to removing counterfeit products from the market and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by purchasing goods only from trusted and authorised outlets.