NAFDAC Cracks Down on Fake Beverage Producers, Arrests Suspect

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has arrested a 52-year-old man, Anthony Chidi, for producing fake beverages in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to Cyril Monye, Public Relations Officer, South-South Zone, NAFDAC, Chidi was caught washing used bottles of various brands of alcoholic beverages inside a dirty shop at Mile 3 Market in Diobu.

Monye stated that the agency had been monitoring Chidi’s activities for some time before making the arrest. Items found in the shop included dirty empty bottles, gallons of ethanol, washed empty bottles, packaging materials, and various brands of already packaged drinks.

The suspect allegedly confessed to starting the illicit business about a year ago, after relocating from Aba in Abia State where he learned the trade.

NAFDAC Director, South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, warned that “hard times await those still involved in the illicit production of NAFDAC regulated products.” Oligbu urged those involved in such activities to give up or face prosecution.

The agency has evacuated the shop and moved all items to its office, while Chidi will be handed over to the Enforcement and Investigation Directorate for further investigation and prosecution.