Joint Task Force Shuts Down Illegal Alcohol Factory in Onitsha: National Accord Newspaper Reports

A joint task force of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade and the Presidential Task Force Against Economic Sabotage and Oil Vandalism have unearthed a syndicate that’s involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Onitsha, a city in Anambra state, Nigeria.

Seven individuals were arrested during the operation. According to Celestine Anere, Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, enforcement officers received credible intelligence information, which led to the discovery of this illegal operation. The factory, situated on Onowu Street near the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, was producing and packing various brands of alcoholic drinks in secret.

During a raid on the factory, known as “Aliban,” over 2,000 cartons of fake wines, already packaged drinks, a mixer, filtering tanks, and packaging materials were confiscated. The owner of the facility remained at large. Anere strongly urged Nigerians to exercise due diligence when purchasing alcohol and wines to avoid consuming counterfeits.

Collins Enebeli, the state Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force Against Economic Sabotage and Oil Vandalism, remarked that Anambra is one of the prominent states in Nigeria where counterfeit products are produced. The task force promises to continue its efforts to stamp out economic sabotage across the nation.