A syndicate involved in the production, distribution and circulation of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages across Akwa Ibom State has been uncovered.
Accordingly, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man as well as recovered five cartons of suspected fake and adulterated dry gin during its crackdown on the syndicate in Ikot Ekpene.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed this in a press release made available to media houses on Monday.
DSP John said the suspect, identified as Ubong Ntiense, aged 40 years, a native of Ibiaku Village, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, and resident along Abak Road, was arrested on 26 September 2026 at about 1345 hours by operatives of the Command.
“The suspect was intercepted during a stop-and-search operation along Aba Road, while allegedly conveying the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery.
“A search of the vehicle/person led to the recovery of five cartons of suspected adulterated dry gin, bearing the fake label “Pointers Special Dry Gin.” Each carton contained 24 bottles, bringing the total number of recovered bottles to 120,” she added.
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According to her, the suspect and the recovered items were subsequently brought to the station for preliminary investigation and that “During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being involved in the production of the fake alcoholic beverages.
“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.”
She said the state Commissioner of Police has directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and professionally, with a view to identifying other persons connected to the production, distribution and circulation of the suspected counterfeit products.
DSP John said the Command views the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages as a serious public safety concern, particularly because unsuspecting members of the public may consume such products without knowledge of their contents or origin.
“The Police therefore warn individuals, distributors, retailers and organised networks involved in the manufacture, transportation or sale of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages to desist immediately, as the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led operations, surveillance, stop-and-search activities and lawful investigative measures to disrupt such activities.
“Members of the public are equally urged to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages and to promptly report suspicious production or distribution activities to the Police or other relevant regulatory authorities,” she added.
