The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized alcoholic beverages estimated at ₦300 million packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml during enforcement operations across Lagos State.
The enforcement exercise targeted markets and distribution points where the prohibited alcoholic products were reportedly being stored, sold and distributed despite the expiration of the phase-out period announced by the agency.
NAFDAC officials carried out raids at Ile-Epo Market, Ojuwoye Market in Mushin and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island as part of efforts to enforce the nationwide restriction on the affected packaging sizes.
During the operations, several distributors and retailers allegedly involved in the sale and distribution of the prohibited products were arrested. Some outlets were also shut down completely by the agency for violating the restriction.
The enforcement exercise further uncovered cases of traders allegedly hoarding the banned alcoholic beverages, with investigations indicating that some merchants were taking advantage of increased demand and rising prices to stockpile the products.
NAFDAC DG Reiterates Rationale for Alcohol Restriction
However, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated that the restriction on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml was introduced as a public health measure.
The agency has maintained that the small and relatively inexpensive packaging makes alcoholic beverages more accessible, particularly to young people, and contributes to underage drinking and substance abuse among minors.
Recall that NAFDAC had previously granted manufacturers a grace period to phase out the affected packaging sizes before commencing nationwide seizures of the prohibited products in July.
The agency, thus warned manufacturers, distributors, retailers and other market operators against continuing to deal in the prohibited products, stressing that violators would face further enforcement actions.
NAFDAC further urged traders to comply with the regulation and desist from hoarding or concealing the banned alcoholic beverages as enforcement operations continue across the country.
