By Godwin Chukwumaech, Port Harcourt
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has arrested one Anthony Chidi a 52-year-old man, who allegedly specialises in producing fake alcoholic beverages inside Mile 3 Market, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
The suspect was arrested while washing used bottles of various brands of alcoholic beverages which he allegedly uses in producing the unwholesome drinks, and sells to unsuspecting members of the public.
A press release by Cyril Money, Public Relations Officer of NAFDAC in Rivers State, said that some of the items found with the suspect in the shop where he was he was arrested, were; dirty empty bottles of different brands of local and foreign alcoholic beverages, gallons/jars of ethanol, washed empty bottle, cocks, packaging materials, various brands of already packaged drinks, funnel fitted with filter etc.
According to the statement; “Chidi said he started the illicit business about a year ago, having relocated from Aba where he mastered the trade, adding that he gets the labels and packaging materials from Aba while he buys the used bottles within Port Harcourt”.
“The shop was eventually evacuated and everything inside moved to NAFDAC office, while the suspect will be handed over to NAFDAC’s Enforcement and Investigation Directorate for further investigation and prosecution”.
Commenting on the arrest, the Director South-South Zone, Pharm Chukwuma Oligbu said that hard times await those still involved in the illicit production of NAFDAC regulated products, warning those still involved in adulterating registered products to give up the illegal practice or be ready to go to jail.
