A joint operation by the Presidential Task Force Against Economic Sabotage and Oil Vandalism and the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade has led to the shutdown of an illegal wine manufacturing facility in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The raid, conducted on Friday, resulted in the confiscation and sealing of the local manufacturing company, which specialized in producing imitation exotic wines and other drinks. Seven suspects were arrested at the facility located on Onowu Street, off Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Onitsha.
According to Celestine Anere, Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, the raid was carried out following credible intelligence received by the enforcement officers. Anere stated that several packing stores and rooms in the facility were used for producing various alcoholic beverages and wines.
Over 2,000 cartons of wines and already packaged drinks were seized, along with equipment such as mixing tanks, improvised filters, and packaging materials. Popular brands such as Classic Heaven, Baron Devanis, Dutch Black, Triple MW, and Hennessy were among the counterfeit products confiscated.
The state Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force, Collins Enebeli, emphasized the task force’s commitment to ending economic sabotage in the country, noting that Anambra State is a leading producer of fake products.
The arrested suspects claimed they were merely workers at the factory, unaware of the facility’s certification. They pleaded for mercy, revealing that their boss, Ikechukwu, supplies over 1,000 cartons of wine daily.
The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade has urged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages and wines. The public can report complaints or inquiries to the brigade’s hotlines.