An illicit soft drink manufacturing plant in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area, has been shut down by the Anambra State Police Command.
Police officers from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, discovered and disassembled a number of counterfeit beverages under the name “Iyi Obeleagu Juice” during their operations, and they also detained one suspect who was discovered at the plant.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State command, revealed this in a press release on Sunday.
Ikenga claimed that the items, which are deemed extremely hazardous to the health of both adults and children, were being produced without the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s clearance.
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.
“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.”
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a thorough investigation to track down other perpetrators and bring them to justice.
He said the CP further warned individuals engaging in such criminal activities to desist immediately, as the Command will not relent in safeguarding public health.
Illegal factories producing fake or substandard consumables, ranging from soft drinks to alcoholic beverages and drugs, have remained an ongoing public health concern in Nigeria, including Anambra State.
In October 2024, a task force raided and uncovered an illegal fake wine factory in Nkpor, Onitsha, where production and packaging of imitation wines such as ‘Classic Heaven’, ‘Baron Devanis’, ‘Dutch Black’, ‘Triple MW’, and Hennessy were being carried out.
Seven workers were arrested during the operation and the facility was subsequently sealed.
Similarly, in June 2024, another illegal factory was discovered in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area, where counterfeit pharmaceuticals including paracetamol and Flagyl were being produced.
Six suspects were arrested, and the premises were also sealed off.
