Anambra Police Crack Down on Counterfeit Soft Drink Factory, Arrest Suspect

The Anambra State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against fake and harmful products, uncovering an illegal factory producing toxic soft drinks in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area.

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, carried out the operation on September 3, 2025, and dismantled the factory.

During the raid, the police arrested 48-year-old Chigozie Okafor, who was found manufacturing fake juice drinks branded as “Iyi Obeleagu Juice” without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

According to Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga, these products pose a significant health risk to both adults and children.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a thorough investigation to identify other perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He warned individuals engaging in such activities to desist, emphasizing the command’s commitment to safeguarding public health.

This recent bust highlights the ongoing efforts of the Anambra State Police Command to combat the production and distribution of fake and substandard products in the state.

The command’s actions demonstrate its dedication to protecting the health and well-being of citizens.

The police operation is part of a broader initiative to tackle the menace of fake products in Anambra State. In recent months, the command has uncovered several illegal factories producing counterfeit goods, including a fake wine factory in Nkpor, Onitsha, and a counterfeit pharmaceutical operation in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area.