TRADERS ON THE RUN AS NAFDAC BEGINS EVACUATION OF SEIZED FAKE/ADULTERATED DRINKS IN ENUGU

REPORTER: CHRISTIAN NWANGENE

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced evacuation of seized suspected fake and adulterated wines at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu.

The agency had carried out a major operation in the market where about 100 shops were sealed and some traders apprehended for allegedly dealing in suspected fake wines.

During the raid, the agency discovered and seized assorted wines suspected to be adulterated while some affected traders had been on the run since the operation began last week.

Radio Nigeria correspondent who monitored the enforcement reports that some of the different confiscated wines had the same NAFDAC registration numbers.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, the Director, NAFDAC, South-East Zone, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, said the exercise was part of efforts to rid the market of fake and harmful products.

He noted that the raid was in furtherance to the agency’s mandate to “safeguarding the health of the nation” and riding markets of fake and adulterated products.

Mr. Iluyomade said such products could cause serious health issues, vowing to continue to trackdown sellers of fake drinks in markets across the South-East.

“We have a lot of health issues that are traced to consumption of fake and adulterated drinks and so in the bid to do our constitutional role, we are out here to mop up as much as we can fake and adulterated drinks in the market.

The NAFDAC Zonal Director told Radio Nigeria that those that had been arrested would be arraigned after investigation.

“We began this exercise since Friday and we have shut down about 100 shops which have been identified for selling fake wines.

“This fake drinks are being sold to customers and the general public but we are determined to rid the market of these unwholesome products, “he said.

Radio Nigeria gathered that NAFDAC had carried out a similar raid in Aba, Abia State with about a trailer load of fake and adulterated drinks confiscated.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU