Lagos couple arrested for producing fake alcoholic drinks

“Margret, who confessed to the crime, confirmed that their adulterated finished products are sold to buyers across Lagos state and Ogun,” the police spokesperson said.

News Agency of Nigeria • April 9, 2024

Alcoholic beverages

Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested a couple for alleged production and distribution of various adulterated alcoholic beverages.

The zonal public relations officer (ZPRO), SP Umma Ayuba, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

She 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, Off Ayetoto/Itẹle Road, Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, Ogun State.

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

Ms Ayuba said the raid yielded significant incriminating evidence.

“The evidence includes unlabelled and branded bottles of suspected adulterated alcoholic drinks and 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 a filter) and corkscrew among various other production and branding items,” she said.

The zonal PRO said Margret Austine was apprehended at the scene. She confessed to involvement in the illegal operation for about six years alongside her husband, Austine Idemudia, a.k.a. Baba Joshua.

“Margret, who confessed to the crime, confirmed that their adulterated finished products are sold to buyers across Lagos state and Ogun,” she said.

According to the image-maker, 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.

Ms Ayuba said the command remained committed to the safety and well-being of all residents within Lagos and Ogun.

(NAN)

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