The food and drug watchdog has taken down an illicit liquor production site in Badagry. The agency announced this in a Sunday statement issued in Lagos by its media spokesperson, Sayo Akintola.

The operation was executed by the agency’s enforcement unit, backed by the Nigerian Army’s 15 Field Engineering Regiment in Badagry.

The agency claims that the facility, located at No. O24, MTN Road, Badagry, was operated by Chinedu Okafor, a suspected purveyor of illegal beverages, from his home.

Akintola mentioned, “Okafor’s suspicious activities caught the attention of the Nigerian Army, leading to his arrest and subsequent handover to NAFDAC officers at the Ports Inspection Directorate, Seme Border.

“Upon inspection, officers evacuated all equipment and materials used in the production of illicit drinks, and effectively shut down the illegal factory.

“Investigations revealed that Okafor’s longstanding involvement in criminal activities has compromised regulated alcohol drinks in the area.”

Akintola stated that the suspect will face legal action and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to protect public health.

He highlighted NAFDAC’s commitment to prioritizing Nigerian’s health, emphasizing the dangers of consuming adulterated alcohol, which can lead to kidney and liver damage or even fatalities.

Akintola advised citizens to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic products, considering the “4 Ps” – the place of purchase, price, packaging, and product itself – to ensure their safety.

“The World Health Organisation in its Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, estimated that more than three million people died all over the world as a result of alcohol poisoning.

“The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) says that one of every 10 cancer cases in Nigeria can be traced to alcohol and 4.7 percent of overall cancer cases in Nigeria in 2019 can be attributed to consumption of adulterated alcohol.

“Nigerians must remain vigilant and scrutinize branded drinks to distinguish them from counterfeits before consuming them,” he pointed out.

Akintola pledged that NAFDAC would persist in its efforts to minimize the prevalence of counterfeit products across the country, guaranteeing that citizens have access to safe and wholesome goods.

He encouraged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to illegal manufacturing or distribution of adulterated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, promoting a collaborative effort to ensure consumer safety.