Police Bust Adulterated Alcohol Syndicate, Arrest Two in Anambra
By Chizoba Njaka
The Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Anti-Violent Crime Unit (VCRU) have arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this to journalists in Awka said that the suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Okeke, 42, and Okeke Chukwuemeka, 38, were apprehended in the early hours of today, June 15, following actionable intelligence received by the command.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a syndicate engaged in the counterfeiting and adulteration of well-known alcoholic drink brands.
During interrogation, the duo reportedly confessed to the crime and subsequently led operatives to a makeshift production facility used for their operations.
A search of the facility led to the recovery of several suspected adulterated products branded as Seaman’s Schnapps, McDowell’s, Eagle Schnapps, Elliot Hot Drinks, and Baileys Fresh Cream. Police also recovered quantities of chemicals believed to be used in the adulteration process, alongside empty bottles, counterfeit labels, and packaging materials intended for further production and distribution.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while the recovered items have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, warned individuals involved in the production and sale of counterfeit consumable products to desist from such activities or face the full weight of the law.
The police command added that investigations are ongoing to uncover other members of the syndicate and establish the extent of their operations within and beyond the state.