Odita Sunday 
Anambra Police Bust Suspected Counterfeit Alcohol Syndicate, Arrest Two, Recover Hazardous Chemicals
By Odita Sunday
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have uncovered a suspected counterfeit alcohol production operation and arrested two men allegedly linked to the manufacture and circulation of adulterated alcoholic beverages in the state.
The operation, carried out by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad/VCRU in the early hours of Sunday, June 15, 2026, followed what police described as credible intelligence on the activities of the suspects.
The suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Okeke, 42, and Okeke Chukwuemeka, 38, were apprehended by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad/VCRU during a targeted operation.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects are believed to be members of a syndicate involved in the adulteration and counterfeiting of different alcoholic beverages for distribution within the state.
Police said the suspects reportedly confessed during interrogation and subsequently led operatives to a mini-factory allegedly used for the illicit production activities.
Items recovered from the facility include suspected adulterated alcoholic products branded as Seaman’s Schnapps, McDowell’s, Eagle Schnapps, Elliot Hot Drinks, and Baileys Fresh Cream.
Operatives also recovered dangerous chemicals allegedly deployed in the production process, alongside numerous empty bottles, labels and packaging materials believed to be intended for continued manufacture of the counterfeit drinks.
The suspects remain in police custody while the recovered exhibits have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.
Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for the successful raid and issued a warning to individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit consumable products to desist or face the full weight of the law.
The Command added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate and determine the full scope of the operation.
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