NAFDAC Seizes N300m Banned Alcoholic Drinks In Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has seized alcoholic beverages worth an estimated N300m packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml in Lagos State.

The agency also shut down some distributors and arrested distributors and retailers during enforcement operations at Ile-Epo Market. Raids were also conducted at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island.

Several cartons of the prohibited alcoholic beverages were evacuated from the markets during the operations, as NAFDAC intensified enforcement of the ban on the products.

Investigations by the agency indicated that some distributors and retailers were hoarding the prohibited drinks amid increased demand and rising prices.

NAFDAC said the ban remains in force and warned distributors, retailers and other operators against the sale, distribution or hoarding of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.

In August, NAFDAC ordered manufacturers of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET/plastic bottles below 200ml to commence a nationwide recall of the prohibited products as part of its full-scale enforcement of the ban.

The agency also warned that defaulting companies would face stiff regulatory and punitive measures, adding that all recalled products would be inventoried and destroyed under NAFDAC’s supervision, with the manufacturers bearing the cost.