Operatives of Anambra State’s Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, better known as the OCHA Brigade, have successfully raided an illegal disinfectant manufacturing facility located at 14, Chris Ugoezu Street, Odume Obosi, in the Idemili North Local Government Area. The operation, which took place early on Tuesday morning, is part of the brigade’s coordinated efforts to crack down on unregulated and hazardous goods circulating within the state.
Speaking to journalists in Onitsha on Wednesday, the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, confirmed that the raid uncovered a range of unregistered chemicals, fake medicated and antiseptic soaps, and counterfeit versions of well-known disinfectant brands. He revealed that the factory was operating illegally, without the necessary licenses, and was using rudimentary manual-mixing equipment, unlabelled chemicals, thinners, and counterfeit packaging to produce potentially dangerous household products.
Anere emphasized the gravity of the operation, noting that none of the items found in the factory had been approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), posing a direct threat to public health. “This is not just an illegal operation; it is a serious health risk to the public. We discovered thousands of fake disinfectants and soaps being produced and prepared for unsuspecting consumers,” Anere stated.
During the raid, five suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation. A manhunt has been initiated for additional individuals believed to be involved in the illegal activities. Anere further warned that both the federal and state governments have a zero-tolerance policy toward such criminal enterprises and would take swift legal action against anyone caught endangering public health.
“The state government is committed to ensuring that such illegal businesses are eradicated, and this is just the beginning. We will continue to carry out similar operations across the state to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens,” Anere added. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious industrial activities within their neighborhoods.
The confiscated items have been taken for proper disposal, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all individuals connected to the illegal operation are apprehended. The OCHA Brigade’s actions reflect the Anambra State Government’s intensified commitment to enforcing health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Residents in the vicinity expressed their surprise at the discovery, with many unaware of the illegal activities taking place under their noses. Ikechukwu Ukatwu, a resident living in the same building as the factory, remarked, “We never suspected anything like this. The person running the factory barely interacted with anyone and kept to himself.” Similarly, Ms. Amarachi Deborah, another local resident, described the factory’s operations as “well-hidden” and “highly discreet,” further underscoring the covert nature of the illegal business.
This raid marks another critical step in Anambra’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal activities that compromise public health and safety, sending a strong message that such criminal operations will not be tolerated.
