Illegal Disinfectant Factory Busted in Anambra: OCHA Brigade Intensifies Crackdown on Toxic Goods

 

A coordinated operation led by the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade has exposed a clandestine disinfectant manufacturing facility operating illegally in Odume Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The raid, which occurred on Tuesday morning, revealed disturbing details about the production of counterfeit and potentially harmful household products.

Tucked away at No. 14, Chris Ugoezu Street, the illegal factory had been functioning under the radar, producing unlicensed antiseptic soaps, liquid disinfectants, and fake versions of popular household hygiene brands. Without regulatory approval or safety measures in place, the facility posed a significant risk to public health.

According to Celestine Anere, the Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, the operation was the result of an ongoing effort to rid Anambra State of dangerous and unregulated products. Speaking to journalists in Onitsha on Wednesday, Anere described the situation as "not just an act of illegality, but a direct assault on public safety and consumer rights."

The inspection of the premises yielded shocking discoveries. Officers recovered a wide range of unlabelled chemicals, thinners, and other hazardous raw materials. Equipment used in the facility included makeshift, manual-mixing tools that lacked any form of industrial standard or safety compliance. Counterfeit packaging materials mimicking known disinfectant brands were also found in abundance.

Authorities noted that none of the products manufactured in the facility bore certification or registration from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), further underscoring the dangers posed to unsuspecting consumers.

“This raid isn’t a one-off event; it marks the beginning of a series of targeted actions designed to cleanse our markets and communities of unapproved and dangerous goods,” Anere emphasized. “Thousands of fake disinfectants and soaps were seized—products that could easily find their way into homes, schools, and hospitals.”

Such discoveries have heightened concerns among residents and state authorities alike. Community members expressed disbelief upon learning that the operation was taking place in their neighborhood. Ikechukwu Ukatwu, a tenant in the same building, revealed that he had no idea such activities were happening right under his nose. “The person behind the factory kept to himself. We never heard noise or suspected anything shady,” he said.

Ms. Amarachi Deborah, another resident of the area, said she was “stunned” at the extent of the illegal activity. “Everything was so quiet. Whoever was behind this knew exactly how to hide it from everyone,” she remarked.

The OCHA Brigade’s intervention comes at a time when the state government is stepping up efforts to enforce safety, health, and environmental regulations across the region. Anere reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting public health, stating that the raid was just one of many planned to flush out similar illegal operations.

Some individuals linked to the illegal factory were apprehended during the raid and are currently undergoing interrogation. Others who fled the scene are being tracked, with law enforcement agencies working in tandem to bring them to justice.

“The items confiscated have been moved for proper analysis and disposal. We are working closely with relevant agencies to investigate the entire supply chain behind this operation. Everyone connected to this illegal business will be found and prosecuted,” Anere stated.

Aside from the public health risks, the illegal manufacturing activities also raised environmental concerns. Without proper waste management or chemical handling protocols, the factory could have posed a threat to local groundwater, air quality, and community well-being.

Residents have been urged to stay alert and report any similar suspicious activities. According to Anere, public collaboration is vital for the success of the state's regulatory efforts. “This is a collective responsibility. Communities must not remain silent. If you see something, say something.”

The OCHA Brigade has reiterated its determination to conduct further surveillance and clampdowns across various parts of the state. The agency also stressed that businesses operating without licenses, safety approvals, and regulatory oversight would be shut down and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

With the proliferation of counterfeit products increasingly becoming a challenge for Nigerian regulatory agencies, this latest development sends a strong message that Anambra State is stepping up enforcement actions to safeguard lives and restore consumer trust.

As the investigation unfolds, state officials remain hopeful that collaborative efforts between government agencies, law enforcement, and the public will yield lasting solutions to the menace of unregulated product manufacturing and distribution.