The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized alcoholic beverages estimated to be worth ₦300 million during enforcement operations targeting prohibited products in Lagos State.
The agency said the products included alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres, which remain prohibited under its regulatory restrictions.
NAFDAC disclosed that enforcement operations were carried out at Ile-Epo Market, Ojuwoye Market in Mushin and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island.
Distributors and retailers arrested
According to the agency, several cartons of the prohibited alcoholic products were removed from the markets during the operation.
NAFDAC said distributors and retailers were arrested at Ile-Epo Market, while enforcement teams also conducted raids at Ojuwoye Market and Oke-Arin Market.
The agency said investigations indicated that some distributors and retailers were allegedly hoarding the prohibited products amid increased demand and rising prices.
NAFDAC maintains ban
The enforcement action is part of NAFDAC’s continuing efforts to prevent the circulation of alcoholic products that fall under its restrictions.
The agency has repeatedly warned businesses against manufacturing, distributing or selling prohibited alcoholic beverages.
The ₦300 million figure is an estimated value of the products seized, rather than a confirmed financial loss or the value of a criminal penalty.
NAFDAC’s latest operation also underscores the public-health dimension of the ban, particularly concerns surrounding the accessibility of highly concentrated alcoholic products in small, inexpensive packages.
Further enforcement action will depend on the outcome of investigations and the regulatory or legal processes involving the affected distributors and retailers.