The operatives of the Enugu zonal command of the National Agency for Food And Drug Administration And Control, NAFDAC have made a massive discovery of illicit brews in Aba, the commercial city of Abia State, South East Nigeria.
No fewer than ten suspects, including a woman were arrested and various packages of adulterated products estimated at hundreds of millions of Naira destroyed.
NAFDAC Director for the South East Zone command, Martin Iluyomade who led the operation, said they were alarmed by the level of sophistication involved in the illegal production chains, including the final packaging of high profile society drinks at the Eziukwu Market in Aba.
According to him, even the most popular and usually very expensive brews in the markets, were not spared the “Aba made” adulterations, which involved the use of dangerous and harmful chemicals in their manufacturing.
Iluyomade told ait.live that the operatives had credible intelligence on the illicit activities going in Aba and its environs, describing the operation as one of the largest singular catch by the Enugu zone command of the Agency, in recent times.
He explained that the essence of the enforcement is to rid the country of fake drugs, foods and drinks during the festivities.
The NAFDAC official is therefore advising Nigerians to be careful on what they consume and to only buy products from accredited agents who are the representatives of the authorised manufacturers.
The ten arrested suspects were later handed over to the Police in Umuahia, the Abia State capital for further investigations.
NAFDAC says it will collaborate with the Police to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted according to the law.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
