Police Arrest Two Over Alleged Counterfeit Alcohol Production in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command says it has arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages in the state.

The suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Okeke, 42, and Okeke Chukwuemeka, 38, were arrested in the early hours of Monday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad and the Vulnerable Communities Response Unit (VCRU) following credible intelligence.

Confirming the development in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are members of a syndicate engaged in the adulteration and counterfeiting of various alcoholic products.

According to him, the suspects are currently in police custody, while exhibits recovered during the operation have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.

SP Ikenga stated:

"Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad/VCRU have arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages in the state.

"The suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Okeke, 42 years old, and Okeke Chukwuemeka, 38 years old, were arrested in the early hours of today, 15th June 2026, following credible intelligence received by the police."

The police spokesperson said investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly specialised in the production of counterfeit alcoholic drinks.

He added that during interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and subsequently led investigators to a mini-factory believed to have been used for the illegal operation.

SP Ikenga further stated:

"Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a syndicate specialising in the adulteration and counterfeiting of various alcoholic beverages.

"During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and subsequently led operatives to their mini-factory.

"At the facility, police operatives recovered several suspected adulterated alcoholic products, including Seaman's Schnapps, McDowell's, Eagle Schnapps, Elliot Hot Drinks and Baileys Fresh Cream, as well as dangerous chemicals allegedly used in the production process.

"Also recovered were numerous empty bottles, labels and other packaging materials intended for the continued manufacture of the counterfeit drinks."

The Command said the recovered items have been secured as exhibits pending the outcome of forensic analysis and further investigation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for the successful operation and warned individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit consumable products to desist or face prosecution.

The police authorities also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate and determine the full extent of their activities.

"Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate and uncover the extent of their operations," SP Ikenga added.

The arrest comes amid renewed efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb the circulation of adulterated food, drinks and other consumable products that pose serious health risks to the public.

Source: Punch

Tags: #AnambraPolice #CounterfeitAlcohol #FoodSafety #CrimeWatch