The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered a facility in Lagos. Expired energy drinks and wines were being revalidated there. The operation took place at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex. Two suspects were arrested at the scene. They were caught while revalidating the products. More than five trailers of goods were seized. The items included energy drinks, wine and whisky.
NAFDAC has raided counterfeit beverage operations for years. In 2019, the agency seized fake drinks worth millions in Lagos and Onitsha. In 2021, it shut down illegal factories in Aba and Ibadan. In 2024, a similar operation in Kano uncovered fake juice concentrates. Revalidation is a specific offence. Expired products are collected, relabelled and returned to shelves. The new dates make them look fresh. Consumers cannot tell the difference. The practice is dangerous. Expired drinks can cause poisoning.
The agency said the facility was a counterfeit production site. It did not disclose how long it had operated. It did not name the suspects. It did not say where the products were meant to be sold. The seized trailers suggest a large operation. Five trailers can carry thousands of cartons. The products may have reached markets already. NAFDAC has not announced a recall.
The suspects are in custody. Investigations continue. The agency said it would prosecute those responsible. It urged consumers to check expiry dates and buy from licensed outlets.
Winners: NAFDAC, which shows enforcement. Consumers, if the raid removes dangerous products. Legitimate beverage producers, who face less unfair competition. Licensed retailers, who gain trust. Losers: The two arrested suspects, who face prosecution. The counterfeit network, which loses stock. Consumers who already bought the products. Retailers who stocked them unknowingly. NAFDAC, whose regulatory reach is again shown to be limited. The public, if the products remain in circulation.
Bottom Line: Expired drinks were being relabelled. Five trailers were seized. Two suspects were arrested. The trade continues because demand is high and enforcement is thin. NAFDAC must trace the distribution chain. Consumers should check what they drink. The raid is a warning. The next factory is already operating.