Anambra raids fake drug factory, arrests six suspects

The Anambra State Government, through the task force team of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra, has raided a suspected fake drug production factory and also arrested six persons operating at the facility.

The factory, located in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, was sealed during the raid and the arrest of the owner of the factory, one Chinwe Chukwurah.

Chukwurah was apprehended for manufacturing, packaging, distributing, and selling a range of substandard and counterfeit paracetamol and Flagyl products.

The Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, who briefed journalists on Thursday, said that the agency while carrying out its daily routine activities, stumbled on the fake drug factory and, upon investigation, found out that the company has existed for years and has been selling the fake drugs across the state.

Anere said, “The facility has been sealed off until further notice as investigations continue by the state Ministry of Health and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control on the drugs and licence of the factory.

“The unhygienic environment of the facility is condemnable for production of drugs. During the raid, six persons were arrested and they have been handed over to the police for further interrogation and prosecution.”

He also disclosed that the police have arrested some persons who are bent on destroying the newly constructed roads and drainages by constructing culverts without approval and supervision by the state Ministry of Works.

“Such attitudes endanger the lifespan of the roads, it creates room for destruction by flood which currently has reduced. Anyone caught trespassing into any sealed-off area or facility will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he added.