The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, identified as Ubong Ntiense, for allegedly producing and distributing adulterated alcoholic beverages. The suspect was arrested on September 26, 2026, during a stop-and-search operation along Aba Road in Ikot Ekpene. According to the police, Ntiense was intercepted while conveying the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery. The arrest was made by operatives of the command as part of an ongoing crackdown on the production, distribution, and circulation of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages across the state.
The police recovered five cartons of suspected fake dry gin, bearing the label "Pointers Special Dry Gin", with each carton containing 24 bottles, totaling 120 bottles. The suspect and the recovered exhibits were taken to the station for preliminary investigation, where he allegedly confessed to being involved in the production of the fake alcoholic drinks. The police said the suspect's confession led to the recovery of substances and materials allegedly used in the production of the adulterated drinks from his residence and premises.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Azare, has directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and professionally, with a view to identifying other persons connected to the production and circulation of the counterfeit products. Azare described the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages as a serious public safety concern, noting that unsuspecting members of the public may consume such products without knowledge of their contents or origin.
The police have warned individuals, distributors, retailers, and organized networks involved in the manufacture, transportation, or sale of counterfeit drinks to desist immediately. The command has assured that it will continue to deploy intelligence-led operations and surveillance to disrupt such activities. The police have also urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages and promptly report suspicious production or distribution activities to the police or relevant regulatory agencies.
The suspect, Ubong Ntiense, is a native of Ibiaku Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area and resides along Abak Road. The police said the arrest and recovery of the fake drinks are part of efforts to intensify the crackdown on counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages in the state. The public is advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command's efforts to curb the production and distribution of counterfeit drinks have been ongoing, with several arrests and seizures made in recent times. The command has assured that it will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the public. The police have also urged the public to cooperate with them in the fight against counterfeit and adulterated products.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to identify other individuals involved in the production and circulation of counterfeit drinks. The command has assured that those found to be involved in the production and distribution of adulterated beverages will be brought to justice. The public is advised to be cautious when purchasing alcoholic beverages and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Key points
- The Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested a 40-year-old man for producing and distributing adulterated alcoholic beverages, recovering 120 bottles of suspected fake dry gin.
- The police have warned individuals involved in the manufacture, transportation, or sale of counterfeit drinks to desist immediately.
- The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to identify other individuals involved in the production and circulation of counterfeit drinks.
