The joint task force of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, in collaboration with the Presidential Task Force against Economic Sabotage and Oil Vandalism, has successfully dismantled a syndicate involved in the production and sale of counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Onitsha.
During a press briefing in Onitsha on Friday, Celestine Anere, the Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, revealed that seven suspects were apprehended. The operation, triggered by credible intelligence gathered by enforcement officers, led to the raid of a factory where 2,000 cartons of fake wines were seized.
Anere said that among items discovered at the factory, known as Aliban, on Onowu Street, off Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, were different brands of alcoholic drinks and wines being produced, packaged and distributed in markets in the state.
According to him, the operatives also discovered that several stores and warehouses in the area had been converted into factories where the alcoholic drinks were being produced.
“During the raid, over 2,000 cartons of wines and already packaged drinks were seized along with an unhealthy equipment such as mixing tank, improvised filter and various packaging materials.
“Bags of empty bottles were also seized. We have also arrested seven suspects during the raid and they will be prosecuted. The owner is still at large.
“I urge Nigerians to be vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages and wines.
“Scrutinize properly to distinguish them from counterfeits before consuming them,” he said.
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