National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has again shut down the notorious Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State.
This is the second time the market has been closed in two years.
NAFDAC said it uncovered and confiscated fake and substandard food and beverages worth over ₦5billion in its latest operation tagged, ‘Operation Clean Up Aba.’
Cemetery Market, notorious as a hub for Africa’s largest counterfeit wine and beverage cartel, has been associated with producing fake alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, and food products.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement on Tuesday, said the raid on the market was “the most decisive action in the history of the market.
“This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria.”
During the operation, the Agency’s officials allegedly discovered over 240 makeshift factories producing counterfeit products under unhygienic conditions.
According to Adeyeye, these factories used harmful chemicals, contaminated water and recycled bottles to manufacture fake versions of popular brands such as 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,” she said.
Adeyeye added that no fewer 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 NAFDAC boss said the operation also led to the discovery of three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for revalidation on January 22.
The agency commended the Governor Alex Otti-led administration in Abia State for its support during the raid.
“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,” she said.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products to its nearest office.
“We are determined to safeguard the health of the nation and rid markets of fake and substandard products,” Adeyeye said.