The Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, have apprehended a couple accused of producing and circulating various fake alcoholic drinks.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illicit activities posing a threat to public health and safety.
Confirming the arrest, the Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Umma Ayuba, issued a statement on Tuesday in Lagos detailing the operation conducted by detectives from the Zone 2 Raider Section led by CSP Ngozi Braide. The raid took place on April 4 at a residence located in Muibi Olawumi Close, off Ayetoro-Itele Road, Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to Ayuba, the officers, acting on intelligence, uncovered an illicit operation engaged in the production of counterfeit wines, liquor, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks. The raid yielded significant incriminating evidence, including unlabeled and branded bottles of suspected adulterated alcoholic beverages, various containers filled with mixtures suspected to be ingredients for the adulterated drinks, and equipment used in the production process such as pumping machines, funnels, and sealing machines.
Among the items seized were brand labels of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, and Smooth Brandy wine drinks in packs, along with a funnel containing a white handkerchief used as a filter and a corkscrew, among various other production and branding items. One individual, identified as Margret Austine, was apprehended at the scene, and she confessed to her involvement in the illegal operation for approximately six years, alongside her husband, Austine Idemudia, also known as Baba Joshua.
Margret admitted to the crime and disclosed that their adulterated products were distributed to buyers across Lagos and Ogun states. The couple’s arrest highlights the grave consequences of engaging in illicit activities that compromise public health and safety.
The Zone 2 Police Command is actively investigating the case, with a commitment to releasing further information to the general public as soon as possible. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust law enforcement efforts to clamp down on illicit operations and protect consumers from the dangers posed by counterfeit and adulterated products.
Illegal alcohol production and distribution not only undermine legitimate businesses but also pose significant risks to public health, as consumers may unknowingly ingest harmful substances. The arrest of the couple involved in this illicit activity demonstrates the resolve of law enforcement agencies to safeguard the well-being of citizens and uphold the rule of law.
Furthermore, the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public in providing vital intelligence and information is crucial in identifying and dismantling illegal operations. It is imperative for individuals and communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
In conclusion, the arrest of the couple for alleged production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages is a significant step in the fight against illicit activities threatening public health and safety. Law enforcement agencies remain committed to rooting out criminal enterprises and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, thereby ensuring the protection and welfare of the populace.
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