Massive Seizure at Major Lagos Hubs

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has seized alcoholic beverages worth about N300 million packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate, PET, bottles below 200 millilitres in Lagos State. The agency also arrested some distributors and retailers during enforcement operations aimed at stopping the sale, distribution and hoarding of the prohibited alcoholic products.

The enforcement operation was carried out at Ile-Epo Market, where several distributors and retailers were apprehended. Simultaneous raids were also conducted at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island, where officials moved to clear prohibited inventory from various stalls and warehouses.

Clampdown on Prohibited Packaging

During the operations, NAFDAC officials evacuated several cartons of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml from the affected markets. The seizures follow the agency's renewed enforcement of the restriction on the production, distribution, sale, and possession of alcoholic beverages packaged in small volumes, which the government has identified as a public health concern.

Investigations by the agency indicated that some distributors and retailers had allegedly been hoarding the prohibited products amid increased demand and rising prices. NAFDAC warned that the continued restriction on the affected alcoholic beverages remains in force, urging operators in the supply chain to comply with the directive or face immediate enforcement action.

Regulatory Warning and Future Compliance

The agency stressed that distributors, retailers, and other stakeholders involved in the sale or distribution of the prohibited products must desist from stocking, selling, or hoarding them. The latest operation underscores NAFDAC's intensified efforts to remove prohibited alcoholic products from circulation and prevent their continued availability in markets across Lagos and the wider federation.

The agency further warned traders and distributors against attempting to evade enforcement by concealing or stockpiling the products, stressing that the ban remains fully operational. NAFDAC confirmed that enforcement operations will continue indefinitely against individuals and businesses found dealing in the prohibited alcoholic beverages to ensure total compliance with safety standards.