Law enforcement detains pair for manufacturing counterfeit liquor in Anambra

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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages in the state.

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The suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Okeke, 42, and Okeke Chukwuemeka, 38, were arrested in the early hours of Monday by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad following credible intelligence received by the police.

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Confirming the arrest in a statement on Monday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspects are currently in police custody, while exhibits recovered from them have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.

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Ikenga added that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were members of a syndicate specialising in the adulteration and counterfeiting of various alcoholic beverages.

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Items recovered from the suspects include Seaman’s Schnapps, McDowell’s, Eagle Schnapps, Elliot Hot Drinks and Baileys Fresh Cream, as well as dangerous chemicals allegedly used in the production process.

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Ikenga said: “Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad/VCRU have arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages in the state.

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“The suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Okeke, 42, and Okeke Chukwuemeka, 38, were arrested in the early hours of June 15, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the police.

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“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a syndicate specialising in the adulteration and counterfeiting of various alcoholic beverages.

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“During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and subsequently led operatives to their mini-factory.

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“At the facility, police operatives recovered several suspected adulterated alcoholic products, including Seaman’s Schnapps, McDowell’s, Eagle Schnapps, Elliot Hot Drinks and Baileys Fresh Cream, as well as dangerous chemicals allegedly used in the production process.

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“Also recovered were numerous empty bottles, labels and other packaging materials intended for the continued manufacture of the counterfeit drinks.

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“The suspects are currently in police custody, while the exhibits have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.”

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According to him, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for the successful operation and warned individuals engaged in the production and distribution of counterfeit consumable products to desist or face the full weight of the law.

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“Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate and uncover the extent of their operations,” he added.

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