The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Ubong Ntiense, for allegedly producing and distributing adulterated alcoholic beverages in Ikot Ekpene.
Five cartons containing 120 bottles of suspected fake dry gin were also recovered from the suspect.
Ntiense, a native of Ibiaku Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area and resident along Abak Road, was arrested on September 26, 2026, at about 1:45pm during a stop-and-search operation along Aba Road.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday.
According to the statement, the suspect was intercepted while allegedly transporting the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery.
The police said the recovered drinks were labelled “Pointers Special Dry Gin”, with each of the five cartons containing 24 bottles.
Following his arrest, Ntiense was taken to the police station for preliminary investigation, where he allegedly confessed to being involved in the production of the adulterated drinks.
Based on information obtained during the investigation, police operatives secured and executed a search warrant at his residence and premises.
The search reportedly led to the recovery of substances and other materials allegedly used in producing the adulterated alcoholic beverages.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly to identify other individuals or networks allegedly involved in the production and distribution of the suspected counterfeit products.
Azare described the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages as a serious public safety concern, warning that unsuspecting consumers could purchase and consume such products without knowing their contents or origin.
He warned individuals, distributors, retailers and organised networks allegedly involved in the manufacture, transportation or sale of counterfeit drinks to stop the practice.
The Commissioner also urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages and report suspicious production or distribution activities to the police or relevant regulatory agencies.
