The proliferation of fake alcoholic beverages poses significant risks to consumers in Nigeria. From adulterated spirits to counterfeit beer, these illicit products endanger public health, undermine trust, and impact the economy. The reasons for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as fake drinks merchants were recently nabbed in Lagos, and the incident was not the first, even as not a few respondents who parleyed with DAILY INDEPENDENT were unanimous in their views that the incident is not likely to be the last.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
As gathered, “Two men identified as Ogujiofor Emeka, 41 and Desmond Chima, 31, have been arrested for allegedly producing fake alcoholic drinks in the Oko-Arin market in Lagos state. The police received information on June 4, 2024 about the suspects and their illicit activities. “Acting on the information, the CP’s Tactical team in Eko stormed the market and arrested the suspects while other members of the syndicate took to their heels. “Items recovered from them include five cartons of Jack Daniels drink, two cartons of Black Barrel Drink, one carton of Williams Lawson drink, one carton of Jameson drink, one carton of Black Label drink, one carton of Remy Martins, six cartons of empty Glenfiddich bottles, one carton of empty Divin Bardar drink, one carton of empty Vodka drink as well as quantities of assorted labels and corks for producing the drinks. “Preliminary investigation by the police revealed that the suspects sold the counterfeit items to their customers in Cotonou, Benin Republic. “Confirming their arrest, the spokesperson of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said ‘’Yes, they have been arrested. Investigation has commenced.
At this juncture, it is expedient to recall the experience of Mr. Chidi Onu, a Lagos resident, who said “I bought what I thought was genuine whiskey, but it tasted strange. I felt nauseous and dizzy afterward.” Given Chidi’s experience, it is expedient to say that the understanding is pervasive as not few consumers have experienced not getting value from alcoholic drinks purchased from the markets in the recent times. Thus, it is has becoming concerning so much that not a few experts in the market segment have lend their voices to how the situation can be nipped in the bud, particularly as the incident has become recurring.
For instance, in April this year, a Lagos couple was arrested for producing fake alcoholic drinks where “Margret, confessed to the crime, confirming that the adulterated finished products were sold to buyers across Lagos state and Ogun,” as disclosed by the police spokesperson SP Umma Ayuba of Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos. The zonal public relations officer (ZPRO), SP Ayuba who is the Zonal Public Relations Officer (ZPRO), confirmed the arrest in a statement in Lagos saying that the crackdown occurred on April 4, when a team of detectives from the Zone 2 Raider Section, led by CSP Ngozi Braide, conducted a raid on a residence in Muibi Olawumi Close, Off Ayetoto/Itẹle Road, Ado-Odo/OtaLGA, Ogun State.
“Acting on intelligence, the officers discovered an illicit operation producing counterfeit wines, liquor, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks,” she said, and confirmed that the raid yielded significant incriminating evidence. “The evidence includes unlabeled and branded bottles of suspected adulterated alcoholic drinks and various containers filled with mixtures suspected to be ingredients for the adulterated beverages.
“Also, equipment used in the production process, such as pumping machines, funnels, and sealing machines. “Other items include brand label of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, Smooth Brandy Wine Drinks in packs, a funnel containing a white handkerchief (used as a filter) and corkscrew among various other production and branding items,” she said. The zonal PRO said Margret Austine was apprehended at the scene. She confessed to involvement in the illegal operation for about six years alongside her husband, Austine Idemudia, a.k.a. Baba Joshua.“Margret, who confessed to the crime, confirmed that their adulterated finished products are sold to buyers across Lagos state and Ogun,”she said.
According to the image-maker, the zone is actively investigating the case and will release further information to the general public as it becomes available. She said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the zone, Olatoye Durosinmi, had advised the public to be careful when buying food and drinks. Ms. Ayuba said the command remained committed to the safety and well-being of all residents within Lagos and Ogun.
In the course of enlightening the public on the danger of adulterated, or rather fake alcoholic drinks, Dr. Moji Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and has for the umpteenth time highlighted the dangers of consuming adulterated alcohol. These risks, according to her, include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and even death. Kidney and liver failure can result from ingesting fake products. Ostensibly resonating the Adeyeye’s voice, though from economic perspective, Mrs. Funmi Megbon, a business woman said, “The rising cost of authentic drinks pushes us toward cheaper alternatives, but we end up with fakes”, and added that there is an urgent need for a stricter enforcement to stop these fake products flooding the market. DAILY INDEPENDENT gathered that NAFDAC campaigns against adulterated and fake alcoholic beverages pose great danger to consumers, but enforcement remains a challenge. Madam Ada, as she was simply called, said, “Leaders should empathise with us. Rising food prices and fake and adulterated drinks make life unbearable.
“Madam Ada, in her view, said addressing fake alcoholic drinks requires a holistic approach, from stringent regulations to consumer education, adding that empathy from leaders and collaboration among stakeholders can protect Nigerians from the hidden dangers lurking in their glasses.
In fact, in the bustling markets of Nigeria, a silent but deadly menace lurks, the proliferation of fake drinks. These counterfeit beverages, often masquerading as popular brands, pose a grave threat to public health and safety. An exploration of the dangers reveals that toxic drinks pose health hazards. This is as the production of fake drinks involves the use of substandard and sometimes toxic ingredients. These can include industrial chemicals and contaminants that are not fit for human consumption. The result is a cocktail of harm as consumers may suffer from acute health issues like nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. Long-term effects are even more alarming, with risks of liver and cardiovascular diseases, and in some cases, renal failure.
Looking at the retrogressive market situation from economic perspective, it is obvious that beyond the immediate health risks, Mr. Greg Akujor, a consumer enthusiast said, “Fake drinks have a broader economic impact. They undermine legitimate businesses, eroding consumer trust and siphoning revenue from genuine producers. The government, too, loses out on tax revenue that could have been invested in public services. The presence of counterfeit drinks in the market can also deter foreign investment, as it raises concerns about market regulation and enforcement”.
As gathered by DAILY INDEPENDENT, the menace poses regulatory challenges as it has remained a battle against illegality. In fact, regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), are on the front lines, fighting against the tide of counterfeit beverages. Their efforts include raids, product seizures, and shutdowns of illegal operations. However, the sheer scale of the problem and the sophistication of counterfeit networks make it a challenging battle. There is a need for increased vigilance and stricter enforcement to protect consumers from these dangerous products.
Against the foregoing backdrop, not a few experts on the issue have unanimously asserted that consumers must be the first line of defense, even as they suggested that awareness campaigns can educate the public on the dangers of fake drinks and how to identify them. They added that encouraging consumers to report suspicious products can also aid regulatory bodies in their efforts to clamp down on these harmful practices.
Be that as it may, Mr. Richard Ekeanyanwu, said “The dangers of fake drinks in the Nigerian consumer market cannot be overstated. It is a multi-faceted issue that requires a concerted effort from government agencies, businesses, and consumers alike to ensure the safety and well-being of the public”.