The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated alcoholic beverages estimated at N300 million during enforcement operations across major markets in Lagos State.
The seized products were mainly alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small PET bottles with capacities below 200 millilitres, which are prohibited under existing regulations.
NAFDAC officials carried out the raids at Ile-Epo Market, Ojuwoye Market in Mushin and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island. At Ile-Epo, some business outlets were shut while several traders were arrested in connection with the distribution of the banned products.
During the operations, enforcement officers evacuated numerous cartons of the affected alcoholic beverages from the markets.
The agency said preliminary findings suggested that some distributors and retailers had been keeping large quantities of the prohibited drinks, allegedly taking advantage of increased demand and higher market prices.
NAFDAC stressed that the restriction on alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml remains effective.
The agency warned distributors, retailers and other businesses involved in the trade to stop stocking, selling or distributing the prohibited products.
According to NAFDAC, traders who continue to deal in the affected beverages will face enforcement measures and other sanctions in line with regulatory requirements.
The agency also advised business owners to remove any remaining prohibited alcoholic products from their premises to avoid penalties.
NAFDAC said enforcement activities would continue across Lagos State as part of its wider effort to curb the circulation and sale of alcoholic beverages that do not comply with the current regulatory restrictions.
