Lagos police arrest couple producing fake alcoholic drinks

The operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos State, have arrested a couple for alleged production and distribution of various adulterated alcoholic beverages in the state.

The Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Umma Ayuba, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Ayuba said the crackdown occurred on April 4, when a team of detectives from the Zone 2 Raider Section, led by CSP Ngozi Braide, conducted a raid on a residence in Muibi Olawumi Close in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

“Acting on intelligence, the officers discovered an illicit operation producing counterfeit wines, liquor, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks,” she said.

Ayuba added that the raid yielded significant incriminating evidence, saying: “The evidence includes unlabeled and branded bottles of suspected adulterated alcoholic drinks, various containers filled with mixtures suspected to be ingredients for the adulterated beverages.

“Also, equipment used in the production process, such as pumping machines, funnels, and sealing machines.

“Other items include brand label of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, Smooth Brandy Wine Drinks in packs, a funnel containing a white handkerchief (used as filter) and corkscrew among various other production and branding items.”

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The zonal spokesperson said one Margret Austine was apprehended at the scene and she confessed to involvement in the illegal operation for about six years, alongside her husband, Austine Idemudia, fondly called Baba Joshua.

“Margret, who confessed to the crime, confirmed that their adulterated finished products are sold to buyers across Lagos and Ogun states,” Ayuba added.

She disclosed that the zone is actively investigating the case and will release further information to the general public as it becomes available.

She said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the zone, Olatoye Durosinmi, had advised the public to be careful when buying food and drinks.

Ayuba noted: “Durosinmi urges the public to be vigilant when purchasing food and beverages.

“The AIG expresses concern that the presence of adulterated products poses a serious risk to consumer health.”

Ayuba, therefore, assured that the police remained committed to the safety and well-being of all residents of Lagos and Ogun states.

The Star