Police Arrest 40-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Fake Gin Production in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Ubong Ntiense, over alleged production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages in Ikot Ekpene.

Police said five cartons of suspected fake dry gin, containing 120 bottles, were recovered from the suspect during a stop-and-search operation along Aba Road on September 26, 2026.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, Ntiense, a native of Ibiaku Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area and resident along Abak Road, was intercepted at about 1:45pm while allegedly transporting the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery.

The police said the recovered products bore the label “Pointers Special Dry Gin”, with each of the five cartons containing 24 bottles.

Following the arrest, the suspect and the recovered items were taken to the police station for preliminary investigation. Police said Ntiense allegedly confessed to involvement in the production of the adulterated drinks.

Based on information obtained during the investigation, operatives subsequently secured and executed a search warrant at his residence and premises, where substances and other materials allegedly used in producing the drinks were recovered.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and professionally to identify other individuals allegedly involved in the production and distribution of the 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 involved in the manufacture, transportation or sale of counterfeit alcoholic beverages to stop the practice.

The police commissioner also urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic drinks and report suspicious production or distribution activities to the police or relevant regulatory agencies