The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages in the state.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Anti-Violent Crime Unit (AVCU) in the early hours of Monday following credible intelligence received by the police.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were identified as Ikechukwu Okeke, 42, and Okeke Chukwuemeka, 38.
According to Ikenga, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a syndicate that specializes in the adulteration and counterfeiting of various alcoholic beverages.
He stated that during interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and subsequently led operatives to their makeshift 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 and distribution of the counterfeit drinks,” he said.
Ikenga further disclosed that the suspects are currently in police custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu has 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.
According to the Commissioner, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, uncover the full extent of their operations, and bring all those connected with the illegal enterprise to justice.
About Author
