In Aba, Abia State, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has discovered a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drink manufacturing facility worth more than N500 million.

Ethanol, empty bottles, suspected counterfeit packaging materials, and unknown liquid mixtures were discovered during the operation of the facility, which is situated at No. 25 Omenazu Street, according to the agency.

The suspected operator fled upon the arrival of NAFDAC officials, leaving behind a vehicle that contained packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whiskey and Scottish Hills Whiskey, according to a statement released by NAFDAC on Monday via its X handle.

According to the agency, sealing machines, bottle caps, cartons, tanks holding different liquid mixtures, and filthy sieves that may have been used during production were found by its officials.

“Plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol and tree bark immersed in ethanol were also discovered, raising serious concerns about the safety and quality of the products being produced,” the statement read.

NAFDAC further stated that empty bottles and other potentially fake packaging materials were discovered in the abandoned car, along with a drum holding about 200 liters of liquid.

The equipment, materials, and other parts that were recovered from the facility were estimated to be worth more than N500 million.

Concerns regarding the possible health hazards connected to alcoholic beverages purportedly made in unsanitary settings and without established quality standards have been raised by the discovery.

To aid in its enforcement efforts, the agency asked the public to submit reliable information about suspected illicit manufacturing activities.

Source