For the second time in two years, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down the notorious Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State.
This latest crackdown, dubbed “Operation Clean Up Aba,” aimed to curb the production and sale of adulterated and counterfeit beverages.
During the operation, NAFDAC seized fake and substandard food and beverages valued at ₦5 billion.
Cemetery Market has long been infamous as a hub for Africa’s largest counterfeit wine and beverage cartel, churning out fake alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, and food products.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the recent raid as “the most decisive action in the history of the market” in a statement personally signed by her on Tuesday, a copy of which was obtained by Persecondnews.
This bold move highlights Prof Adeyeye’s commitment to regulating and ensuring the safety of food and drugs in Nigeria.
Persecondnews reports that ss a renowned pharmacist and professor, Prof Adeyeye has been leading NAFDAC since 2017, bringing significant reforms and strengthening the agency’s regulatory framework.
“This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.
During the operation, over 240 makeshift factories were discovered, producing counterfeit products under unsanitary conditions.
According to her, the factories used harmful chemicals, contaminated water and recycled bottles to manufacture fake versions of popular brands, including Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk and Hollandia Yoghurt.
“These criminal elements use unhygienic sources of water, saccharin, colouring agents, and harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption.
“The adulteration of alcoholic beverages involves cheaper sugars and starches instead of fruits or grapes,” Adeyeye explained.
She disclosed that more than 1,500 cartons of fake products were destroyed on-site, with the total street value of the seized and destroyed goods estimated at ₦5 billion.
The operation also led to the discovery of three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for revalidation on January 22, the professor of pharmacy stated.
While commending the Abia State Government for supporting the raid, the NAFDAC boss said: “The unwavering support of Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee has been critical to the success of Operation Clean Up Aba.”
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected fake products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“We are determined to safeguard the health of the nation and rid markets of fake and substandard products.”
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