The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, identified as Ubong Ntiense, for alleged production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages and recovered 120 bottles of suspected fake dry gin in Ikot Ekpene.
Ntiense, a native of Ibiaku Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area and resident along Abak Road, was arrested on September 26, 2026, at about 1:45pm during a stop-and-search operation along Aba Road.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the suspect was allegedly conveying the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery.
According to the police, a search of the suspect’s vehicle led to the recovery of five cartons of suspected adulterated dry gin bearing the label, “Pointers Special Dry Gin.”
The command said each carton contained 24 bottles, bringing the total number of recovered bottles to 120.
The police said the suspect and the recovered exhibits were taken to the station for preliminary investigation, where he allegedly confessed to involvement in the production of the fake alcoholic drinks.
Following the alleged confession, operatives secured and executed a search warrant at his residence and premises, where substances and other materials allegedly used in producing the adulterated drinks were recovered.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and professionally to identify other persons allegedly connected to the production and circulation of the counterfeit products.
Azare described the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages as a serious public safety concern, warning that unsuspecting members of the public could 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 drinks to desist, stressing that the command would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations and surveillance to disrupt such activities.
The commissioner urged members of t
