Investigation and Enforcement operatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday sealed five shops at Old Court Road Market, Aba, Abia State.

NAFDAC, in a statement, said counterfeit packaging materials for popular alcoholic beverages and other products worth over ₦200 million were found in the shops, but the owners were absent.

It read, “Today, NAFDAC, acting on credible intelligence, raided five shops at Old Court Road Market, Aba, Abia State, suspected of producing and supplying counterfeit packaging materials for popular alcoholic beverages and other products.

“The operation uncovered counterfeit labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials bearing the names of several brands, including Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps. The packaging materials seized were estimated to be worth over ₦200 million.

“During the operation, NAFDAC’s Investigation & Enforcement operatives encountered threats and resistance from traders, making the evacuation of the seized materials challenging. The owners of the five shops were absent, and the premises were placed on hold to prevent interference with the items remaining inside.”

NAFDAC stated that an invitation had been extended to the market union chairman, who pledged to ensure the security of the sealed premises and assist in identifying and presenting the shop owners.