NAFDAC Seizes 100+ Empty Alcohol Bottles in Lagos Residential Building

Incident in Lagos On 23 October 2026, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced that it had seized and destroyed more than 100 sacks of empty alcoholic‑drink bottles from a residential building at 322B Meiran Road, Agbado Oke‑Odo, Lagos. The bottles were allegedly being stored for use by counterfeiters. The operation was carried out by NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate after receiving credible intelligence about suspicious activity in the area.

The seized containers included a variety of sizes and brands, such as Action Bitter and Royal Circle Premium Whisky, according to the agency’s Assistant Director Kunle Ojo. The bottles were wrapped in tarpaulins and stacked in the building’s premises, which is situated in a secluded residential neighbourhood.

Background NAFDAC is Nigeria’s regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics and related products. The agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate routinely monitors and intervenes in cases where counterfeit or substandard products threaten public health.

Earlier in 2026, NAFDAC intensified its efforts to curb the circulation of fake alcoholic beverages, citing rising incidents of counterfeit drinks that pose health risks and undermine legitimate producers. The agency has repeatedly urged citizens to report suspicious activities to local NAFDAC offices.

Why it matters The destruction of the empty bottles aims to prevent their reuse in the production of counterfeit alcoholic drinks, which can contain harmful additives and pose serious health risks to consumers. By intercepting the raw materials, NAFDAC seeks to disrupt the supply chain that feeds the counterfeit market.

The incident also highlights the use of residential properties for illicit activities, raising concerns about the safety of neighbourhoods and the integrity of the regulatory environment. NAFDAC’s intervention underscores the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and protecting consumers from counterfeit products.

What happens next Following the destruction of the bottles, NAFDAC has not announced further actions or investigations at the site. The agency’s statement emphasised that the operation was a response to credible intelligence and that the seized materials were destroyed to prevent their reuse. No additional steps or dates have been disclosed.

The incident serves as a reminder that NAFDAC remains vigilant against counterfeit alcohol and encourages residents to report suspicious activity to the nearest agency office.