The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks production facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, Abia State, following an intelligence-led operation.

The development was disclosed in a statement published on the agency’s official X handle on Monday.

According to NAFDAC, officials who acted on credible intelligence discovered the facility operating under unhygienic conditions, with materials suspected to have been used in the production and packaging of counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

The agency said the suspected operator fled upon the arrival of its enforcement team, abandoning a vehicle containing counterfeit packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky.

The vehicle also contained empty bottles and a drum holding approximately 200 litres of liquid.

A further search of the premises reportedly uncovered counterfeit packaging materials, bottle caps, sealing machines, empty bottles, cartons, tanks containing various liquid concoctions and dirty sieves suspected to have been used in the production process.

NAFDAC officials also discovered plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol, as well as tree bark immersed in ethanol, raising concerns about the safety, quality and composition of the suspected products.

The agency expressed concern over the unhygienic conditions in which the materials were found and the potential risks the suspected illegal production activities could pose to consumers.

NAFDAC estimated the value of the equipment, materials and facility components recovered at more than ₦500 million.

The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information about suspected illegal manufacturing activities to support its efforts to protect public health and prevent the circulation of unsafe and counterfeit products.

Members of the public can report suspicious activities through the NAFDAC Call Centre on 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, or by emailing [email protected].

The agency reiterated the importance of public cooperation in identifying and tackling illegal manufacturing operations.