The notorious Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia has once again been closed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control due to the discovery of counterfeit beverages there.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, January 28, NAFDAC Director General Professor Mojisola Adeyeye called the raid “the most decisive action in the history of the market.” As part of its most recent operation, Operation Clean Up Aba, NAFDAC also found and seized counterfeit and subpar food and beverages valued at over N5 billion.
“This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye stated.
It was claimed that more than 240 temporary factories that produced fake goods in filthy conditions were found during the investigation.
Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk, and Hollandia Yoghurt were among the well-known brands that these facilities produced counterfeit versions of using hazardous chemicals, tainted water, and recycled bottles, according to Adeyeye.
“These criminal elements use unhygienic sources of water, saccharin, colouring agents, and harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption. The adulteration of alcoholic beverages involves cheaper sugars and starches instead of fruits or grapes,” Adeyeye clarified.
The total estimated street value of the confiscated and destroyed goods was N5 billion, she continued, adding that more than 1,500 cartons of counterfeit goods were destroyed on the spot.
According to the head of NAFDAC, the operation also resulted in the January 22 revalidation of three warehouses that were storing expired Hollandia Yoghurt.
The Cemetery Market has gained notoriety for manufacturing counterfeit food items, carbonated drinks, and alcoholic beverages.