Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a 40-year-old man, Ubong Ntiense, over the alleged production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages and recovered 120 bottles of suspected fake dry gin in Ikot Ekpene.
Ntiense, a native of Ibiaku Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area and resident along Abak Road, was arrested on September 26, 2026, during a stop-and-search operation along Aba Road.
Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said in a statement on Monday that operatives intercepted the suspect at about 1:45 p.m. while he was allegedly transporting the drinks to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its ongoing crackdown on the production, distribution and circulation of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages across the State, with the arrest of a 40-year-old man and the recovery of five cartons of suspected fake/adulterated dry gin in Ikot Ekpene.”
A search of the vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of five cartons of suspected adulterated dry gin bearing the label “Pointers Special Dry Gin.” Each carton contained 24 bottles, bringing the total number of recovered bottles to 120.
The police said the suspect and the recovered products were taken to the station for preliminary investigation, during which he allegedly confessed to involvement in the production of the counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
Following information obtained during the investigation, police operatives secured and executed a search warrant at Ntiense’s residence and premises.
“Based on information obtained during the investigation, Police operatives secured and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and premises, where substances and other materials allegedly used in the production of the adulterated drinks were recovered as exhibits”, the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and professionally to establish the involvement of other persons in the alleged production and distribution network.
Azare described the production and circulation of adulterated alcoholic beverages as a public safety concern, noting that consumers could unknowingly purchase and consume products whose contents and origins are not genuine.
The commissioner warned manufacturers, distributors, retailers and organised groups involved in the production, transportation or sale of counterfeit alcoholic drinks to stop the practice, saying the command would continue intelligence-led operations and surveillance against such activities.
He also urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages and report suspected production or distribution of fake drinks to the police or relevant regulatory agencies.
