The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Ubong Ntiense, for allegedly producing and distributing adulterated alcoholic beverages in the state.
Ntiense was arrested on Saturday, September 26, 2026, during a stop-and-search operation conducted by police operatives along Aba Road in Ikot Ekpene.
The suspect, who hails from Ibiaku Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area and resides along Abak Road, was reportedly intercepted while transporting the suspected counterfeit drinks to Essien Udim Local Government Area.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the police, five cartons of suspected fake dry gin were recovered from the suspect. The cartons, branded “Pointers Special Dry Gin”, contained 24 bottles each, bringing the total number of bottles recovered to 120.
Following his arrest, Ntiense was taken to the police station alongside the recovered products for preliminary investigation.
The command said the suspect allegedly confessed during questioning to his involvement in the production of the adulterated alcoholic beverages.
Acting on information obtained during the investigation, police operatives obtained and executed a search warrant at his residence and premises.
The search, according to the command, resulted in the recovery of substances and other materials allegedly used in the production of the suspected adulterated drinks.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case, directing detectives to establish the source of the materials and identify other individuals who may be involved in the production and distribution network.
Azare warned manufacturers, distributors and retailers of counterfeit alcoholic beverages to stop the practice, stressing that the command would continue intelligence-led operations to disrupt the circulation of such products.
He also advised residents to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages and promptly report suspicious activities to the police or appropriate regulatory authorities.
