NAFDAC arrests two men over fake Bullet Energy Drinks in Lagos

By Diden Abigail Owuntarose

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested two men over the alleged counterfeiting and relabelling of expired beverages, including Bullet Energy Drink, at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, October 13, at Zamfara Plaza, within the BBA Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, following an enforcement operation targeting suspected illegal beverage production.

The operation uncovered a facility allegedly used to revalidate expired energy drinks and alcoholic beverages, including Don Julio tequila and Jameson whiskey, for possible resale to unsuspecting consumers.

According to footage released by the agency, operatives discovered stacks of Bullet Energy Drink cans, empty alcoholic beverage bottles, bottle caps, labels, packaging materials and chemicals at the premises.

A NAFDAC official seen in the video explained that expired labels were allegedly being removed from some drinks and replaced to make the products appear suitable for sale.

The agency also alleged that the operators obtained expired beverages through contacts at bars and nightclubs before preparing them for redistribution.

The discovery has raised concerns about consumer safety, particularly the possibility of expired or improperly handled beverages entering the market without buyers knowing their actual condition.

During the operation, NAFDAC officials expressed concern about the potential health consequences of the alleged activities and reiterated the need to prevent counterfeit and substandard products from reaching consumers.

The agency’s enforcement action is part of its efforts to tackle illegal production, relabelling and distribution of regulated products.

NAFDAC is responsible for regulating the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of food, drugs and other regulated products in Nigeria. (NAFDAC⁠)

The identities of the two suspects had not been disclosed in the agency’s initial announcement. Further details about the investigation and the quantity of beverages recovered were also not immediately available in the initial reports.

The agency’s findings are expected to help establish the extent of the alleged operation and determine whether other individuals or businesses were involved.

NAFDAC has continued to urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected counterfeit products to the appropriate authorities.

The agency’s investigation will be important in determining the origin of the beverages, how the alleged operation was conducted and whether the products had already entered the market.