Police seize suspected counterfeit goods, including fake sugar and hot chilli sauce

POLICE in Lusaka have seized various food, cosmetic and sugar products suspected to have been manufactured and repackaged under unhygienic conditions in Kabanana and Chipata Compounds. Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Mr. Godfrey Chilabi, told the newsroom, that the Intellectual Property Unit under Lusaka Division acted on information received on September 4, 2026, that some

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POLICE in Lusaka have seized various food, cosmetic and sugar products suspected to have been manufactured and repackaged under unhygienic conditions in Kabanana and Chipata Compounds.

Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Mr. Godfrey Chilabi, told the newsroom, that the Intellectual Property Unit under Lusaka Division acted on information received on September 4, 2026, that some individuals were manufacturing chilli sauce, peanut butter and shampoo under unhygienic conditions. Police also received information that industrial sugar was being repackaged into smaller packs bearing different company brands.

“Police subsequently obtained search warrants and, on September 8, 2026, conducted searches at two premises in Lusaka,” Mr. Chilabi said.

At a premises in Kabanana Compound, police seized 20,460 bottles of Good Family Hot Chilli Sauce, 56 bottles of peanut butter, assorted ingredients, three 5-litre containers of shampoo, stickers, hot-air guns and other items.

Mr. Chilabi said preliminary investigations indicate the products were being manufactured in a backyard under unhygienic conditions. A 34-year-old man, Ogden Malambo of Kabanana, has been identified in connection with the activities.

In Chipata Compound, police seized 82 bags of Mansa Sugar, 129 bags of Kafue Sugar, 67 bags of White Spoon Sugar, all in 50kg bags, plus cartons and packets of White Spoon Sugar. Other items seized included sealing machines, weighing scales, batch codes, date stamps and empty branded sugar bags.

Mr. Chilabi stated that preliminary findings show sugar was being repackaged at an unmarked premises under unhygienic conditions. A 25-year-old man, Jovan Mugisha, has been identified in connection with the suspected repackaging.

Mr. Mugisha has been charged with offering for sale goods bearing a false trademark and/or false trade description contrary to the Merchandise Marks Act, and with selling foodstuffs under insanitary conditions and operating a factory without a licence contrary to the Food and Drugs Act.

Mr. Malambo has also been charged with selling foodstuffs under insanitary conditions and operating a factory without a licence contrary to the Food and Drugs Act.

Mr. Chilabi said police will engage relevant regulatory authorities to examine the seized products for possible additional offences. Investigations are continuing.

He urged the public to buy products only from reputable and authorised outlets, and to check labels and expiry dates.

“The public is further warned against manufacturing, repackaging, distributing or selling counterfeit or falsely branded products. Such activities are unlawful and may pose serious risks to public health and safety,” Mr. Chilabi said.

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