The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages in the state.
The suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Okeke, 42 years old, and Okeke Chukwuemeka, 38 years old, were arrested in the early hours of Monday by the operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad/VCRU, following credible intelligence received by the police.
Confirming their arrest in a statement on Monday, the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspects are currently in police custody, while the exhibits recovered from them have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.
Ikenga added that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were members of a syndicate specialising in the adulteration and counterfeiting of various alcoholic beverages.
Among the items recovered from the suspects are 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.
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.
“The suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Okeke, 42 years old, and Okeke Chukwuemeka, 38 years old, were arrested in the early hours of today, 15th June 2026, following credible intelligence received by the police.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a syndicate specialising in the adulteration and counterfeiting of various alcoholic beverages.
“During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and subsequently led operatives to their mini-factory.
“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.
“Also recovered were numerous empty bottles, labels, and other packaging materials intended for the continued manufacture of the counterfeit drinks.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, while the exhibits have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.”
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, 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.
“Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate and uncover the extent of their operations,” he added.
