Police dismantle fake soft drinks factory in Anambra, arrest 48-yr-old suspect

The Anambra State Police Command has shut down an illegal soft drinks factory in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area, and arrested a 48-year-old suspect in connection with the operation.

Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, stormed the premises on September 3, 2025, where they uncovered and dismantled the production site. The factory was found producing large quantities of counterfeit beverages branded as “Iyi Obeleagu Juice.”

Spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement released on Sunday.

According to Ikenga, the seized products were manufactured without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and posed serious risks to public health.

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.

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“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.”

Ikenga further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed a full-scale investigation aimed at apprehending others linked to the factory.

He added that the CP warned all individuals involved in similar illegal ventures to desist immediately, stressing that the Command remains committed to protecting public health and safety.

Cases of counterfeit consumables remain a growing concern in Nigeria. In October 2024, a fake wine factory was raided in Nkpor, Onitsha, where imitation brands such as ‘Classic Heaven,’ ‘Baron Devanis,’ ‘Dutch Black,’ ‘Triple MW,’ and Hennessy were being produced. Seven workers were arrested during the operation, and the facility was sealed.

Likewise, in June 2024, another illegal operation was uncovered in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area, where fake pharmaceuticals—including paracetamol and Flagyl—were produced. Six suspects were taken into custody, and the premises shut down.