The Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested a couple, who had in the past six years been illegally producing and distributing various adulterated alcoholic beverages to markets in Lagos and Ogun states.
According to a press statement released by the Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), SP Ayuba T. Umma, the suspects, Margret Austine and her husband, Austine Idemudia (a.k.a. Baba Joshua), were arrested by the CSP Ngozi Braide-led Raider Section of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos.
The operatives had acted on intelligence on the illegal production, and raided the couple’s Muibi Olawumi Close residence, Off Ayetoro/Itẹle Road on April 4, during which fake drinks, comprising wine, liquor, champagne and other alcoholic drinks, were recovered.
These included brand label of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, Smooth Brandy Wine drinks, both in bottles and mini packs.
Also recovered were unlabeled and branded bottles of suspected adulterated alcoholic drinks and various containers, filled with mixtures suspected to be ingredients for the adulterated beverages.
The ZPPRO said that the equipment used in the production process, such as pumping machines, funnels, sealing machines, a funnel containing a white handkerchief (used as filter) and corkscrew, among various other production and branding items, were all recovered.
The female suspect, Margret, apprehended at the scene, confessed to a six-year involvement in the illegal operation, and that their adulterated finished products were sold to buyers across Lagos and Ogun states.
“The Zone 2 Command is actively investigating this case and will release further information to the general public as it becomes available”, the ZPPRO said
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, has consequently urged the public to be vigilant when purchasing food and beverages, while expressing concern over the health hazard such adulterated products pose to consumers.
According to the statement, “The Zone 2 Police Command remains committed to the safety and well-being of all residents within Lagos and Ogun states.”
