Ogun Police, NAFDAC launch joint crackdown, vow full enforcement of liquor law

Ogun State Police Command and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, have launched a joint enforcement drive to rid the state of sachet and PET bottle alcoholic drinks below 200ml and other unapproved products.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, gave the assurance on Thursday when he received the state coordinator of NAFDAC, Ogun Office 1, Mr Akinwale Fagoroye, and his team at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

The meeting was convened to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and secure police support for NAFDAC’s ongoing statewide enforcement operations.

Speaking during the visit, Fagoroye said the exercise, which began in Abeokuta, is being extended to other parts of Ogun State and will continue until full compliance is achieved.  

“The target is to remove from circulation alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml,” he stated.

He explained that the clampdown is aimed at protecting public health and reducing the harmful effects of cheap, highly portable alcohol, particularly among children and young people who have easy access to the products.

According to him, NAFDAC enforcement teams are currently conducting checks at markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, warehouses and factories across the state.  

He said the agency is also empowered to take action against fake, unregistered, substandard, adulterated, expired or wrongly labelled products, as well as facilities operating without required approvals.

Fagoroye urged manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to comply with the directive and cooperate with enforcement officers.

Responding, CP Ojajuni commended NAFDAC for its commitment to public health and assured the delegation of the Police Command’s full cooperation and necessary security support during lawful operations.

The CP disclosed that the Police are also enforcing the Liquor Act and other laws regulating the sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks in Ogun State.  

“The enforcement is aimed at preventing unlawful sale and distribution of alcohol and curbing activities that could endanger public safety, especially those exposing young people to harmful practices,” he said.

Ojajuni stressed that both agencies will continue to work within their mandates to ensure compliance and protect residents from products and activities that pose risks to health and safety.

He urged all stakeholders across the state to comply with relevant regulations and report suspected fake, unsafe or unapproved products, as well as illegal alcohol-related activities, to the appropriate authorities.  

“The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to supporting lawful regulatory enforcement and other government efforts aimed at protecting lives and safeguarding the well-being of residents,” the CP concluded.