ANAMBRA: TASK FORCE BUSTS FAKE WINE FACTORY, APPREHEND WORKERS

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The Presidential Task Force Against Economic Sabotage and Oil Vandalism together with the joint task force of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade, officers raided an illicit wine manufacturing facility in Onitsha on Friday.

The officers stormed the Nkpor area in Anambra State and confiscated and sealed off the local manufacturing company, which specializes in the mass production of imitation of exotic wines and other drinks in the state.

It was learned that the illegal wine company has over the years produced and distributed several types of fake and unapproved wines in large quantities that are meant for public consumption.

During the raid, seven suspects were also arrested at the facility located on Onowu Street, off Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Onitsha.

During the raid, items belonging to well-known labels like Hennessy, Dutch Black, Classic Heaven, Baron Devanis, Triple MW, and Baron Devanis were taken.

Speaking with reporters, Celestine Anere, Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, stated that the enforcement officers’ actions were prompted by reliable information.

Anere said, “Several packing stores and rooms in the facility were found to be used for producing various alcoholic beverages and wines.

“The task force officers discovered that multiple packing stores and warehouses in the area had been converted into makeshift factories where different brands of alcoholic drinks and wines were being produced, packaged, and distributed in the open market.

“During the raid, over 2,000 cartons of wines and already packaged drinks were seized, along with unhealthy equipment such as mixing tanks, improvised filters, various packaging materials and bags of empty bottles.

“We urged consumers to be vigilant, especially when purchasing alcoholic beverages and wines.”

For all complaints, inquiries and submissions, he directed members of the public to call “any of our hotlines on 07069680112, 08122554530, 08069695398, 08120356133. Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra; Ocha Brigade is here to serve you.”

Collins Enebeli, the state coordinator of the Presidential Task Force Against Economic Sabotage and Oil Vandalism, declared that the task force is dedicated to putting an end to all types of economic sabotage in the nation and identified Anambra State as one of the top producers of counterfeit goods.

During questioning, a few of the suspects stated they were just factory workers trying to make ends meet; they had no idea the facility was certified.

They begged for leniency from the authorities, citing the fact that their boss, an Ikechukwu, provides more than a thousand wine boxes daily.