The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control stated that it uncovered a fake bottled water network at the Pipeline Road area of Eneka in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The organization mentioned that the finding on Friday morning was a result of a warning from concerned members of the public, to which its staff promptly responded.
NAFDAC Public Relations Officer, South-South Zone, Mr. Cyril Monye, revealed in a statement in Port Harcourt on Friday that the culprits were utilizing a run-down shop as a front for the production of the water.
Monye mentioned that one of the distributors of the fake bottled water was apprehended while preparing the product for sale to unsuspecting consumers.
The statement mentioned, “They collect used Eva plastic bottles which they fill with contaminated water obtained from a paint bucket, using a dirty rubber funnel covered with fabric as a filter.
“The pre-printed Eva labels were then placed on the plastic bottles and closed with fake Eva caps that had already been fitted.
“One of the distributors of the adulterated water, who identified himself as Chibunna James, was arrested while he was loading the product for sale, and the ringleader/producer is currently evading capture, but efforts are being made to locate him.”
Commenting on the occurrence, the NAFDAC Coordinator in Rivers State, Emmanuel Onogwu, urged the public to always provide the agency with valuable information that can lead to the arrest of criminals specializing in tampering and counterfeiting regulated products.
The statement further indicated that the counterfeit products in 30 packs were taken to the NAFDAC office in Port Harcourt, while the uncorked ones were emptied.
