The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages across the state.
The suspects, identified as 42-year-old Ikechukwu Okeke and 38-year-old Okeke Chukwuemeka, were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS)/VCRU in the early hours of Sunday, June 15, following credible intelligence.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a syndicate specializing in the adulteration and counterfeiting of various alcoholic drinks.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and led operatives to a mini-factory where the illegal operation was being carried out.
Items recovered from the facility include suspected counterfeit versions of Seaman’s Schnapps, McDowell’s, Eagle Schnapps, Elliot Hot Drinks, and Baileys Fresh Cream. Police also recovered dangerous chemicals allegedly used in the production process, along with numerous empty bottles, labels, and packaging materials intended for further manufacture of the fake products.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.
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 the full weight of the law.
Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate and determine the full extent of their activities.
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