The Anambra State Police Command has shut down an unlicensed juice factory in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area, and arrested one suspect in connection with the operation.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Awka, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, uncovered the illegal facility on September 3.
According to Ikenga, the factory was producing toxic counterfeit soft drinks under the label “Iyi Obeleagu Juice,” without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
One suspect, 48-year-old Chigozie Okafor, was arrested at the scene, and several cartons of the fake juice were confiscated.
Ikenga noted that the drinks pose serious health risks to both children and adults.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a full investigation to identify and apprehend other individuals involved. He also issued a stern warning to those engaging in similar illegal activities, stating that the Command remains committed to protecting public health.
