TDThe National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its war against counterfeit and adulterated products with the dismantling of two illegal alcohol production syndicates in Lagos State.
Acting on credible intelligence, enforcement operatives raided facilities at Zamfara Plaza, Trade Fair Complex, and Lagos Island.
They recovered over 1,800 cartons of counterfeit alcoholic beverages valued at approximately ₦350 million.
Raids and Discoveries
- Trade Fair Complex: Enforcement officers uncovered a clandestine operation where counterfeit drinks were being manufactured using crude equipment.
The facility contained plastic mixing tanks, improvised filtration systems, and piles of empty branded bottles, corks, and packaging materials.
These were used to mimic popular brands and deceive unsuspecting consumers.
- Lagos Island: A suspect was arrested in connection with the illegal production and retail distribution of adulterated beverages.
The outlet served as a point of sale for counterfeit drinks, which were seized and evacuated for further regulatory action.
NAFDAC stressed that adulterated alcoholic beverages pose grave health risks, including acute poisoning, liver and kidney damage, and even death.
The Agency reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on counterfeit products, pledging to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
It urged Nigerians to purchase only from authorised outlets and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.
NAFDAC Alerts on Counterfeit Proguanil Tablets
In a related development, NAFDAC has issued a public alert on the circulation of counterfeit brands of Proguanil (Projeanil and Re-granil) Tablet B.P 100mg in Nigeria.
- The counterfeit products display a fake NAFDAC Registration Number (04-6433), which actually belongs to Feroglobin B12 Capsules by Vitabiotics Nigeria.
- Proguanil is a widely used antimalarial drug, often combined with atovaquone (Malarone) or chloroquine to prevent and treat malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum.
- Healthcare professionals have been advised to immediately review stocks in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, and report any suspected falsified medicines or medical devices to NAFDAC.
This discovery highlights the growing sophistication of counterfeiters who exploit trusted brand identities to infiltrate the market with dangerous products.
Public Alert on Counterfeit Colgate Toothpaste
Just three days earlier, NAFDAC issued Public Alert No. 022/2026 concerning the distribution of unregistered and suspected counterfeit Colgate toothpaste in Kaduna State.
- Investigators discovered products branded as Coglaet ActivGel 100g and Coglaet Herbal 100g during a Post-Marketing Surveillance operation.
- The items, purchased from door-to-door sales representatives, lacked proof of purchase and failed to meet regulatory standards for registration and quality assurance.
- The products were immediately removed from circulation, and investigations are ongoing to trace the distributors behind the counterfeit supply chain.
Consumers have been strongly advised to remain vigilant, avoid unregistered products, and report any suspicion of substandard or falsified goods to NAFDAC.
Market Implications
These coordinated enforcement actions and public alerts underscore NAFDAC’s heightened vigilance in protecting public health.
From dismantling illegal alcohol syndicates to exposing counterfeit medicines and consumer goods, the Agency is sending a clear message.
It warned that counterfeiters will be pursued relentlessly, and urged Nigerians to play their part by reporting suspicious activities.
NAFDAC’s campaign reflects a broader national effort to safeguard lives, strengthen consumer confidence, and ensure that only safe, quality-assured products reach the Nigerian market.
