Officers from the Presidential Task Force Against Economic Sabotage and Oil Vandalism, in collaboration with the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade, conducted a raid on an illegal wine manufacturing facility in Onitsha. This operation took place on Friday in the Nkpor area of Anambra State, where the authorities seized and sealed off a local factory that had been churning out counterfeit exotic wines and other beverages.

Reports indicate that this illicit wine operation has been producing and distributing large quantities of fake and unapproved wines for several years, posing a serious risk to public health. During the raid, seven suspects were apprehended at the site located on Onowu Street, just off the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

Among the products confiscated were well-known brands such as Classic Heaven, Baron Devanis, Dutch Black, Triple MW, and Hennessy, all of which were being unlawfully replicated.

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In a statement to the media, Celestine Anere, Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, explained that the raid was initiated based on credible intelligence received by enforcement officers. “Multiple storage spaces and rooms within the facility were being misused for the production of various alcoholic beverages,” Anere noted.

“During our operation, we seized over 2,000 cartons of counterfeit wines and packaged drinks, as well as unhealthy equipment like mixing tanks, improvised filters, various packaging materials, and empty bottles,” he added. He urged consumers to remain cautious, particularly when purchasing alcoholic beverages.

Collins Enebeli, the state coordinator for the Presidential Task Force, emphasized the group’s commitment to eradicating economic sabotage in Nigeria, stating that Anambra is a significant hub for the production of counterfeit products.

Some of the detained individuals claimed they were merely employees of the factory, trying to earn a living without any awareness of its illegal status. They expressed their hopes for leniency from the government, noting that their employer, identified as Ikechukwu, allegedly supplies over 1,000 cartons of wine each day.

For any complaints or inquiries, the public can reach out via the hotlines: 07069680112, 08122554530, 08069695398, and 08120356133. The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra; Ocha Brigade is dedicated to serving the community.