- Arrests some suspects
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated alcoholic beverages valued at about N300million packaged in sachets, and plastic bottles below 200ml during enforcement operations across major markets in Lagos State.
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The agency also arrested some distributors and retailers allegedly involved in the sale of the prohibited products during raids at Ile-Epo Market, Ojuwoye Market in Mushin and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island.
NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement posted on its Facebook page, saying its officials removed several cartons of the banned alcoholic drinks from the affected markets.
According to the agency, some of the arrests were made during the operation at Ile-Epo Market, while enforcement teams also searched shops and outlets at the other two locations.
NAFDAC said its investigation indicated that some traders have been stockpiling the prohibited beverages amid increased demand and higher prices.
The agency said the exercise was aimed at enforcing the Federal government’s ban on the production, sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.
It warned traders and other businesses involved in the supply chain against continuing to deal in the banned products.
“NAFDAC emphasises that the ban remains in force and warns distributors, retailers and other operators against the sale, distribution or hoarding of the prohibited products,” the agency said.
It put the estimated value of the seized alcoholic beverages at N300m.
The latest enforcement action followed an earlier directive by NAFDAC for manufacturers of the affected products to recall them from circulation nationwide or face sanctions, including possible closure of their facilities.
The agency has maintained that the prohibition remains in force after the expiration of the grace period previously granted to manufacturers to discontinue production of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET or plastic bottles below 200ml.
NAFDAC said it would continue enforcement to ensure compliance with the ban.