The National Agency for Food and Drug Control (NAFDAC) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against counterfeit goods by uncovering a fake bottled water operation in Port Harcourt, specifically targeting the popular brand Eva Water.
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Acting swiftly on a tipoff, NAFDAC officials conducted a raid on a dilapidated shop located on Pipe Line Road, Eneka. The shop, disguised as a pool house, turned out to be the hub of the illicit operation. Inside, suspects were found engaged in the production of counterfeit Eva water.
The raid exposed a disturbing process: used plastic bottles of a well-known water brand were being refilled with contaminated water drawn from a paint bucket. This water was then filtered through a dirty rubber funnel covered with cloth. Subsequently, counterfeit Eva labels were applied to the bottles, which were corked with fake Eva corks.
During the operation, one suspect identified as Chibunna James was apprehended while in the process of loading the adulterated water for distribution. However, the mastermind behind the operation remains at large.
All seized products were confiscated and evacuated to the NAFDAC office for further investigation. This successful operation underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring the integrity of consumer products in Nigeria.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
