In line with its statutory duties, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raided markets in Port Harcourt and its environs and impounded fake/adulterated alcoholic beverages (Chelsea dry gin and Squadron dark rum) worth over N4million Naira.
The raid which was carried out by NAFDAC officials in collaboration with International Distiller; producers of the products led to the arrest of five persons; four middle aged men and women who were caught selling the illicit products to unsuspecting members of the public at Mile 3; Diobu, Mile 4 markets and Oil Mill market in Eleme area.
Commenting on the operations, NAFDAC Coordinator, Rivers State Mrs. Mercy Ndukwe said that the raid was necessitated by complaints to NAFDAC by Intercontinental Distillers Ltd. that a large quantity of fake and adulterated brand of Chelsea and Squadron alcoholic drinks are been circulated in Port Harcourt.
Ndukwe said: “officials of Intercontinental Distillers reported incidence of fake and adulterated Chelsea dry gin and Squadron dark rum been circulated in markets in Rivers State. Surveillance was carried out in major markets and outlets where the products were identified and afterwards NAFDAC in collaboration with officials of the company and detachment of Policemen from State Police headquarters, Port Harcourt swooped on them and impounded the spurious products, arresting five persons in the process”.
She urged the general public to be vigilant and report any incidence of fake and adulterated products to NAFDAC for appropriate action, warning those who indulge in the criminal act of faking and counterfeiting NAFDAC registered products to stop endangering the health of Nigerians or be ready to face the full weight of the law.
The unwholesome products were evacuated to NAFDAC office at Federal Secretariat, Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
‘A similar exercise two years ago led to the impounding of over 500 cartons of fake Chelsea and Squadron products worth about N3million and arrested four persons in connection with the products in Port Harcourt,” Ndukwe noted. ###
