The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration, and Control (NAFDAC) has closed over 100 stores in Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, Enugu State, for allegedly trading in counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
The agency also seized a truckload of contaminated products and arrested four merchants.
Following the raid and arrest, NAFDAC’s Director South-East Zone, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, stated on Monday that the suspects were already in prison and would be charged in court after an ongoing investigation.
He stated that the raid was in accordance with NAFDAC’s responsibility to protect the nation’s health and clear the south-east of unwholesome, substandard, counterfeit, and contaminated items.
“We stormed the popular Ogbete Main Market in Enugu, Enugu State, since Friday and have shut down 100 shops that have been identified for selling fake alcoholic beverages.
“Arrests were made, and the suspects are currently in custody.
“This fake wine and alcoholic beverages are being sold to unsuspected customers and the general public, but we are determined to rid the market of these unwholesome products,” he said.
The NAFDAC Zonal boss stated that the intensive operation was carried out in active coordination with the police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army, all of which sent soldiers for the well-coordinated raid.