The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has arrested a 52 years old man for allegedly producing fake alcoholic beverages in Mile 3 Market, Diobu, in Rivers.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO), NAFDAC, South-South Zone, Port Harcourt, Mr Cyril Monye, disclosed this in a press statement issued to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Monye said that the man, Anthony Chidi was caught inside a dirty shop, washing used bottles of various brands of alcoholic beverages.
He alleged that he used that bottles in producing the unwholesome drinks and sold to unsuspecting members of the public.
He mentioned the items found in the shop which included dirty empty bottles of different brands of local and foreign alcoholic beverages, gallons/jars of ethanol,
Others are washed empty bottle, cocks, packaging materials, various brands of already packaged drinks, funnel which is fitted with filter, among others.
He said that the suspect confessed that he started the illicit business about a year ago, having relocated from Aba where he mastered the trade.
He added that suspect said that he got the labels and packaging materials from Aba but bought the used bottles within Port Harcourt.
The NAFDAC Public Relations Officer said that the shop was evacuated and everything inside moved to NAFDAC office.
He added that the suspect would be handed over to the Agency’s Enforcement and Investigation Directorate for further investigation and prosecution.
Monye recalled that the NAFDAC Director, South-South Zone, Mr Chukwuma‘s statement that hard times awaited those still involved in the illicit production of NAFDAC regulated products.
Oligbu warned that those still involved in adulterating registered products should give up the illegal practice or be prepared to go to jail.