PICTORIAL: NAFDAC Arrests Fake Alcoholic Drinks Producer In Rivers Market
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully apprehended Anthony Chidi, a 52-year-old man involved in the illegal production of fake alcoholic beverages in Mile 3 Market, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Chidi was caught in a filthy shop where he was washing used bottles of various alcoholic drink brands to repackage and sell unapproved and unsafe beverages to unsuspecting consumers. He admitted to having started this illicit business a year ago after relocating from Aba, Abia State, where he had learned the trade. He also mentioned that he sourced the labels, packaging materials, and used bottles from Aba and Port Harcourt.
The items seized from Chidi’s shop included:
- Dirty empty bottles from various local and foreign alcoholic brands.
- Gallons/jars of ethanol.
- Used bottles that were being washed for reuse.
- Cocks, packaging materials, and various brands of already packaged drinks.
- Funnels and filters used in the production process.
The NAFDAC team swiftly evacuated the premises, taking all the illicit items to their office in Port Harcourt.
Speaking about the arrest, Pharmacist Chukwuma Oligbu, Director of the South-South Zone for NAFDAC, assured that Chidi would be transferred to the agency’s Enforcement and Investigation Directorate for further probe and prosecution. Oligbu also warned others involved in the illicit production of NAFDAC-regulated products, emphasizing the severe consequences they will face, including imprisonment.
Warning: The public is urged to report any illegal production or sale of adulterated products to NAFDAC for swift action.
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