Police Dismantle Fake Soft Drinks Factory in Anambra
- Police operatives in Anambra uncovered an illegal factory producing fake soft drinks in Okpoko, Ogbaru LGA
- One suspect, 48-year-old Chigozie Okafor, was arrested while harmful drinks branded as “Iyi Obeleagu Juice” were seized
- Authorities have launched an investigation to track collaborators as concerns grow over the spread of counterfeit consumables
The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered a factory producing fake soft drinks in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area, and arrested a suspect linked to the operation.
The raid was carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following intelligence reports about the activities of the illegal producers, Punch reported.
Source: Original
Police seize packs of unapproved drinks
Officers dismantled the facility and recovered large quantities of unwholesome drinks branded as “Iyi Obeleagu Juice.”
Police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday. He said the products were manufactured without the approval of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and posed a serious risk to public health.
The statement read:
“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.’ The products are considered highly harmful to the health of both adults and children.”
Investigation ordered on the arrested suspect
Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed that the suspect be thoroughly investigated and that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other collaborators.
Source: Original
He warned that the police would not hesitate to act against those endangering lives through the production of fake consumables.
Incidents of counterfeit food and beverages have remained a recurring challenge in Anambra and other states. Several illegal factories have been shut down in recent years, raising concerns about consumer safety and regulatory enforcement.
In October 2024, a task force sealed a facility in Nkpor, Onitsha, where counterfeit wines including “Classic Heaven,” “Baron Devanis,” and fake Hennessy bottles were being packaged. Seven workers were arrested during that operation.
Earlier in June 2024, another factory was raided in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area, where substandard drugs such as paracetamol and Flagyl were being produced. Six suspects were arrested and the premises shut down.
Authorities insist that such operations not only defraud unsuspecting consumers but also threaten lives by circulating unsafe products in the market.
NAFDAC seals Lagos skincare company
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had shut down Shine Shine Skincare, a cosmetic production facility in Agege, Lagos, for allegedly manufacturing harmful and unregistered bleaching products.
NAFDAC officials, during an enforcement operation, discovered that the company was producing several products under unsafe conditions. The items were marketed to customers as “organic” despite failing to meet regulatory standards.
Products recovered from the facility included Peeling White Scrub, Glass Scrub Wash, Antiaging Radiant Glow, and Customised Whitening Black Soap.
Source: Legit.ng
