The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man for the alleged production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic drinks. Officers also recovered five cartons of suspected fake dry gin in Ikot Ekpene.

The suspect, Ubong Ntiense, a native of Ibiaku Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, was arrested on September 26 during a stop-and-search operation along Aba Road. He was intercepted while allegedly transporting the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery.

A search of the vehicle yielded five cartons of the suspected adulterated dry gin labelled “Pointers Special Dry Gin.” Each carton contained 24 bottles, bringing the total to 120 bottles. The suspect and the recovered items were taken to the station for investigation.

During questioning, Ntiense allegedly admitted to producing the fake drinks. Police later obtained and executed a search warrant at his residence, where they recovered substances and materials believed to have been used in the production.

Commissioner of Police Baba Azare ordered a thorough investigation to identify others involved in the network. He described the production of adulterated alcoholic beverages as a serious public safety risk and warned those engaged in the trade to stop immediately. The command urged the public to be careful when buying alcoholic drinks and to report any suspicious activity.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper