NAFDAC, Police team up to sweep sachet alcohol off Ogun streets

By Anuoluwa Amao

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Ogun State Police Command have intensified their joint effort to enforce alcohol regulations and protect public health across the state.

The collaboration was announced by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement shared on the command’s X handle on Friday, following a meeting between NAFDAC’s State Coordinator for Ogun Office 1, Akinwale Fagoroye, and Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni at the command’s headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

According to Fagoroye, NAFDAC has already launched enforcement operations in Abeokuta and plans to extend the exercise across the rest of the state. “The enforcement exercise, which commenced in Abeokuta, is being extended to other parts of Ogun State and will continue until full compliance is achieved,” he said.

At the center of the crackdown is the removal of alcoholic drinks sold in sachets and small PET bottles under 200ml (20cl) from circulation. Fagoroye explained that the restriction is designed to curb access to cheap, easily concealed alcohol, particularly among children and young people.

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He appealed to manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to comply with the regulations and allow NAFDAC officials to carry out their enforcement duties unhindered. He added that enforcement teams are actively visiting markets, motor parks, bars, retail outlets, warehouses and factories to identify where regulated products are being manufactured, stored or sold. NAFDAC also retains authority to seize counterfeit, unregistered, adulterated, substandard, expired or improperly labelled products, as well as shut down facilities operating without proper approval.

Commissioner Ojajuni welcomed the partnership and pledged the police command’s continued support for NAFDAC’s lawful enforcement activities. “The Police and NAFDAC will continue to work together, within their respective mandates, to ensure compliance with the law and protect residents from activities and products that may pose risks to their health and safety,” he said.

He noted that the police are simultaneously enforcing the Liquor Act and other relevant laws governing alcohol sale and distribution in Ogun State, describing the measures as necessary to combat illegal alcohol trade and shield young people from harmful practices.

Ojajuni urged producers, distributors, retailers and consumers alike to cooperate with enforcement personnel and comply with existing regulations, while also calling on residents to report any suspected counterfeit or unsafe products, as well as illegal activity tied to alcohol sales.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to providing security backing for legitimate regulatory operations and other initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives and promoting public safety throughout Ogun State.