Police Seize Thousands of Suspected Counterfeit Food and Sugar Products in Lusaka
The Zambia Police Service has seized thousands of food, cosmetic and sugar products suspected to have been manufactured or repackaged under unhygienic conditions in Kabanana and Chipata Compounds, Lusaka.
According to a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, the seizures were made by the Intellectual Property Unit under the Lusaka Division following information received on September 4, 2026.
Police said they received information alleging that individuals were manufacturing chilli sauce, peanut butter and shampoo under unhygienic conditions, while another individual was allegedly buying industrial sugar in 50-kilogramme bags and repackaging it into smaller packages carrying the brands of different sugar companies.
Police subsequently obtained search warrants and conducted searches at two premises in Lusaka on September 8.
20,000+ CHILLI SAUCE BOTTLES SEIZED IN KABANANA
At a premises in Kabanana Compound, police seized:
- 20,460 bottles of Good Family Hot Chilli Sauce, 150ml each;
- Three 5-litre containers of shampoo;
- Approximately 2.5 litres of shampoo;
- Stickers bearing the Good Family Hot Chilli Sauce brand;
- 56 bottles of peanut butter;
- Three hot-air guns; and
- Assorted ingredients.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the chilli sauce, peanut butter and shampoo were allegedly being manufactured in a backyard under unhygienic conditions.
Police identified 34-year-old Ogden Malambo, of Kabanana, in connection with the suspected activities.
SUGAR REPACKAGING OPERATION UNCOVERED IN CHIPATA
Police also raided premises in Chipata Compound, where they seized large quantities of sugar and equipment allegedly used in the repackaging operation.
The seized items included:
- 82 bags of Mansa Sugar, each weighing 50kg;
- 101 cartons of White Spoon Sugar containing 1kg packets;
- 241 packets of White Spoon Sugar, each weighing 10kg;
- 129 bags of Kafue Sugar, each weighing 50kg;
- 67 bags of White Spoon Sugar, each weighing 50kg;
- One hot-air gun;
- Three sealing machines;
- Three weighing scales;
- Batch codes for White Spoon Sugar;
- One manufacturing date stamp;
- Two ink pads;
- Three bottles of paper glue;
- Assorted empty branded sugar bags; and
- One roll of cotton.
Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the sugar was being repackaged at an unmarked premises under unhygienic conditions.
A 25-year-old man, Jovan Mugisha, was identified in connection with the suspected repackaging activities.
SUSPECTS FACE MULTIPLE CHARGES
Police said Mugisha has been charged with two offences.
The first charge is offering for sale goods bearing a false trademark and/or false trade description, contrary to Section 6(a) of the Merchandise Marks Act, Chapter 405 of the Laws of Zambia.
The second charge relates to selling, preparing, packaging or storing foodstuffs under insanitary conditions and operating a factory without a licence, contrary to Sections 4 and 7 of the Food and Drugs Act, Chapter 303 of the Laws of Zambia.
Malambo has also been charged with offences relating to selling, preparing, packaging or storing foodstuffs under insanitary conditions and operating a factory without a licence under the Food and Drugs Act.
POLICE TO CONDUCT FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS
The Zambia Police Service said it will engage relevant regulatory authorities and stakeholders responsible for food safety, public health, consumer protection and standards to examine the seized products and premises.
The examinations could lead to additional offences being identified.
Police said investigations are continuing.
Members of the public have meanwhile been urged to avoid purchasing food, cosmetics and other products from unverified sources or unlicensed manufacturers.
Consumers have also been encouraged to buy products from reputable and authorised outlets and carefully check product labels, manufacturing dates and expiry dates before making purchases.
The Police Service further warned individuals against manufacturing, repackaging, distributing or selling counterfeit or falsely branded products, saying such activities are unlawful and may pose risks to public health and safety.
Members of the public can report suspected counterfeit goods and illegal manufacturing or repackaging activities to the nearest police station or through established police reporting channels.
