Sunday, September 7, 2025 - The Anambra State Police Command has busted an illegal factory producing fake soft drinks located in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
During the operations conducted by the police operatives
attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, the police uncovered and
dismantled several fake drinks branded as “Iyi Obeleagu Juice” and arrested one
suspect found at the factory.
This was disclosed in a press statement released on Sunday
by the Spokesman of the Anambra State command, Tochukwu Ikenga.
Ikenga stated that the products were being manufactured
without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and
Control, and are considered highly harmful to the health of both adults and
children.
The statement read in part, “Operatives of the Anambra State
Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, on September 3,
2025, uncovered and dismantled an illegal factory producing toxic fake soft
drinks in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
“The operatives arrested one Chigozie Okafor, aged 48 years,
in connection with the illicit act and recovered several fake juice drinks
branded as “Iyi Obeleagu Juice”, which were being manufactured without approval
from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
“The products are considered highly harmful to the health of
both adults and children.”
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state,
Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a thorough investigation to track down other
perpetrators and bring them to justice.
He said the CP further warned individuals engaging in such
criminal activities to desist immediately, as the Command will not relent in
safeguarding public health.
Illegal factories producing fake or substandard consumables,
ranging from soft drinks to alcoholic beverages and drugs, have remained an
ongoing public health concern in Nigeria, including Anambra State.
In October 2024, a task force raided and uncovered an
illegal fake wine factory in Nkpor, Onitsha, where production and packaging of
imitation wines such as ‘Classic Heaven’, ‘Baron Devanis’, ‘Dutch Black’,
‘Triple MW’, and Hennessy were being carried out.
Seven workers were arrested during the operation and the
facility was subsequently sealed.
Similarly, in June 2024, another illegal factory was
discovered in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area, where counterfeit
pharmaceuticals including paracetamol and Flagyl were being produced.
Six suspects were arrested, and the premises were also
sealed off.
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