Canada has warned its citizens travelling to Nigeria against consuming unregulated or adulterated alcoholic drinks following reports of deaths linked to beverages containing high levels of methanol.

The warning was issued in an updated travel advisory by the Canadian government, which urged travellers to buy alcohol only from reputable establishments.

The advisory comes after NAFDAC confirmed high concentrations of methanol in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal drinks linked to the deaths of 48 people in Ondo State.

The agency said seven victims were left blind, while 182 cases of illness had been recorded as of September 17.

NAFDAC said 11 out of 15 samples tested positive for Cannabis indica, while laboratory tests confirmed high levels of methanol, a toxic substance that can cause blindness, organ failure and death.

The agency has arrested 15 people over the suspected production and distribution of the drinks and warned Nigerians against consuming unlicensed or unregistered alcoholic and herbal concoctions.