Officers from the Presidential Task Force Against Economic Sabotage and Oil Vandalism, along with the joint task force of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade, recently shut down an illegal wine manufacturing facility in Onitsha.
The facility, located in the Nkpor area of Anambra State, was producing large quantities of fake wines and other drinks.
During the raid, seven suspects were arrested at the facility. The confiscated products included imitation versions of popular brands such as Classic Heaven, Baron Devanis, Dutch Black, Triple MW, and Hennessy.
Celestine Anere, the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, told reporters that the raid was based on credible intelligence received by the enforcement officers. The officers found that the facility had multiple packing stores and warehouses which were being used as makeshift factories for producing, packaging, and distributing various alcoholic drinks and wines.
Over 2,000 cartons of wines and pre-packaged drinks were seized during the raid, along with equipment such as mixing tanks, improvised filters, packaging materials, and empty bottles. Anere advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing alcoholic beverages and wines. For complaints and inquiries, the public was directed to call the hotlines on 07069680112, 08122554530, 08069695398, 08120356133.
Collins Enebeli, the state Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force Against Economic Sabotage and Oil Vandalism, emphasized the task force’s commitment to ending all forms of economic sabotage in the country and highlighted Anambra State as a leading producer of fake products.
During interrogation, some suspects claimed they were workers in the factory and were unaware of its lack of certification.
They asked for leniency from the government, mentioning that their boss, Ikechukwu, supplied over 1,000 cartons of wine every day.
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