The NAFDAC fake drinks factory investigation has drawn attention to the dangers of counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Nigeria after the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) uncovered an alleged illegal operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. The agency reported that its officers seized products valued at more than ₦2 billion and arrested two suspects during a raid on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The operation followed intelligence reports about suspected illegal activities at Zamfara Plaza, within the BBA Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos State. According to NAFDAC, investigators discovered more than 20 illegal stores allegedly connected to the production, storage or distribution of counterfeit and improperly handled products.
The discovery has renewed concerns about the safety of beverages sold in Nigerian markets, particularly when dishonest operators imitate established brands or alter product information to mislead unsuspecting customers.
NAFDAC Discovers More Than 20 Illegal Stores
NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate reportedly uncovered several activities involving counterfeit alcoholic drinks, expired beverages and prohibited imported products during the operation. The agency said the raid exposed an organised operation that allegedly involved preparing imitation drinks and making expired products appear suitable for sale.
Officials reportedly recovered bottles, corks, labels and other packaging materials that could help operators imitate genuine beverages. Investigators also discovered materials and equipment suspected of supporting the illegal activities.
The presence of such items raises concerns about how counterfeiters can make their products resemble genuine drinks sold by recognised manufacturers. Consumers often depend on familiar packaging, brand names and expiry dates when choosing alcoholic beverages, which makes it difficult to identify sophisticated imitations without proper verification.
NAFDAC said two suspects were arrested during the raid, while officials evacuated the seized products for further investigation and regulatory action. The agency’s findings will help investigators establish how the operation worked, where the products originated and whether the suspects supplied counterfeit beverages to retailers or other distributors.
However, the allegations remain subject to investigation, and the arrests alone do not establish criminal guilt.
Counterfeit and Expired Drinks Raise Health Concerns
The discovery highlights the potential health risks associated with counterfeit and improperly handled alcoholic beverages, especially when manufacturers or sellers cannot verify their ingredients, production methods and storage conditions.
Genuine drinks pass through established production and quality-control processes, but counterfeit products may not meet the same standards. Their ingredients may be unknown, while poor handling or contamination could introduce additional risks for consumers.
Expired beverages also require caution because their quality and safety may deteriorate depending on their composition and storage conditions. Altering expiry dates or repackaging such products can prevent customers from making informed purchasing decisions and expose them to avoidable risks.
The financial value of the seized products also highlights the scale of the alleged operation. However, the reported valuation does not establish how much the operators earned or how many consumers may have purchased the suspected products.
Beyond the potential health implications, counterfeit drinks can damage the reputation of legitimate manufacturers, reduce consumer confidence and create unfair competition for businesses that follow regulatory requirements.
NAFDAC Advises Nigerians to Check Drinks Before Purchase
Following the discovery, consumers should pay close attention to the beverages they purchase, particularly when buying premium alcoholic drinks from unfamiliar sellers or informal outlets.
NAFDAC encourages the public to purchase regulated products from reputable retailers and examine packaging for unusual seals, damaged labels, altered expiry dates or other signs of tampering. Customers should also be cautious when a product sells for a price that appears unusually low compared with similar products from established retailers.
Although packaging checks can help identify suspicious products, counterfeiters may reproduce labels and bottles convincingly. Consumers should therefore avoid relying on appearance alone when assessing authenticity.
Anyone who suspects that a beverage is counterfeit, adulterated or improperly labelled should report the concern to NAFDAC through its official channels. The agency’s public complaints line is 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).
Investigation Continues After Lagos Raid
NAFDAC’s operation at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex highlights the importance of monitoring markets where counterfeit and improperly handled regulated products may reach consumers. The seizure and arrests represent steps in the agency’s investigation, but authorities must establish the full facts before drawing conclusions about individual responsibility.
Investigators will need to determine the origin of the suspected products, identify any distribution networks and establish whether additional people or businesses participated in the alleged activities.
For consumers, the discovery serves as a reminder to remain vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages and to report suspicious products rather than assuming that familiar packaging guarantees authenticity. Effective enforcement, responsible retail practices and public awareness will remain important in efforts to protect consumers from unsafe products in Nigeria.
