The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is set to prosecute illegal alcohol manufacturer, Chinedu Okafor who was nabbed for illegal manufacturing of alcoholic drinks in Badagary, Lagos, it emerged on Sunday.
According to the agency, the confiscated products, valued at over N50m will also be destroyed.
The prosecution followed the arrest of Okafor from his residence at No. 24, MTN Road, Badagry, where he carried out the illegal drinks manufacturing operations by NAFDAC enforcement officers, followed intelligence collaboration from the Nigerian Army’s 15 Field Engineering Regiment in Badagry.
The Director General (DG), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye reiterated that NAFDAC will continue to ensure that the level of counterfeit products nationwide is brought to the nearest minimum so that Nigerians will continue to consume only healthy and safe products.
In a statement by the Agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, Okafor’s suspicious activities caught the attention of the Nigerian Army, leading to his arrest and subsequent handover to NAFDAC officers at the Ports Inspection Directorate, Seme Border.
According to the statement, in its determination to purge the country of fake and substandard products, upon inspection, NAFDAC officers evacuated all equipment and materials used in the production of illicit drinks, and effectively shut down the illegal factory.
“Investigations revealed Okafor’s longstanding involvement in this criminal activity, which has potentially compromised regulated alcohol drinks in the Badagry area
“Okafor will face prosecution, and all offending products will be destroyed, with an estimated value exceeding N50m,” the agency noted.
In its advisory to the public, NAFDAC emphasized the need for public vigilance and urged citizens to report suspicious activities to safeguard public health.
While urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, the agency is also tasking consumers to always scrutinize branded drinks to distinguish them from counterfeits before consuming them.
“Drinking adulterated alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, blue-tinged or pale skin, irregular or slow breathing, low body temperature, unconsciousness or passing out.
“It can also lead to kidney and liver failure or even DEATH. Methanol, a substance which can be used in fake vodka, may cause permanent blindness.
“WHO, in their Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health estimated that more than three million people died all over the world as a result of alcohol poisoning.
“Furthermore, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) ascertained that one of every 10 cancer cases in Nigeria can be traced to Alcohol and 4.7 percent of overall cancer cases in Nigeria in 2019 can be attributed to consumption of adulterated alcohol.
“NAFDAC wishes to advise that members of the public should shine their eyes and think about the 4 Ps – Place, Price, Packaging and Product before buying alcohol.
“Only buy NAFDAC-registered drinks from reputable and licenced retailers, bars and supermarkets,” it noted.