Task Force Shuts Down Illegal Wine Factory in Onitsha, Arrests 7 Suspects, Seizes 2,000 Cartons of Fake Liquor Drinks
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde
A joint operation by the Presidential Task Force Against Economic Sabotage and Oil Vandalism, in collaboration with the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, uncovered an illegal wine production facility in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The raid, carried out on Friday in the Nkpor area, led to the shutdown of the factory, which specialized in mass-producing counterfeit versions of popular wines and alcoholic beverages.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that for years, the facility had reportedly supplied large quantities of unapproved drinks for public consumption.
During the operation, seven individuals were arrested at the site located on Onowu Street, off the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Authorities confiscated several counterfeit products mimicking well-known brands, including Classic Heaven, Baron Devanis, Dutch Black, Triple MW, and Hennessy.
Celestine Anere, Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, explained that the raid was based on reliable intelligence.
"The factory had converted multiple storage facilities and warehouses into makeshift production units,” he said.
“Several alcoholic beverages and wines were manufactured, packaged, and distributed openly in the market.”
OTN News revealed that over 2,000 cartons of fake wines were seized, along with equipment such as makeshift mixing tanks, filters, packaging materials, and bags of empty bottles. Anere urged the public to stay vigilant when buying alcoholic drinks to avoid counterfeit products.
He provided contact numbers for inquiries or complaints: 07069680112, 08122554530, 08069695398, and 08120356133. “OCHA Brigade remains committed to protecting the people,” Anere assured.
Additionally, the State coordinator of the Presidential Task Force, Collins Enebeli, emphasized their determination to eradicate economic sabotage, noting that Anambra is a hotspot for counterfeit production.
Some of the arrested suspects claimed to be unaware of the factory’s illegal activities, stating they were hired laborers just trying to earn a living. They pleaded for leniency, revealing that their employer, identified only as Ikechukwu, distributed over 1,000 cartons of wine daily.
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