By Matthew Atungwu

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has uncovered an illegal operation involved in the production and distribution of adulterated and expired alcoholic beverages in Lagos State.

NAFDAC, in a statement on Thursday, said one Madu Abuchi Simon was arrested for counterfeiting several popular alcoholic brands, including Hennessy, William Lawson, Baileys, Martell, St. Remy, and Jameson.

The agency said a search of the premises revealed expired Amarula cream liquor, empty branded bottles and cartons, labels, stoves, buckets, cotton wool, and a purple-colored chemical suspected to be used for cleaning and reusing bottles.

Simon reportedly attempted to escape during the raid but was caught.

According to the agency, operatives seized over 100 cartons of assorted adulterated alcoholic beverages valued at more than N114 million, adding that the outlet has been sealed pending further investigation.

It, therefore, advised the public to purchase alcoholic products only from reputable vendors and urged individuals to report any suspicious activity to its nearest office.