The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Ubong Ntiense, over the alleged production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic drinks in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest was made during a stop-and-search operation along Aba Road, Ikot Ekpene, where police operatives reportedly intercepted the suspect while he was transporting the products for delivery.
According to the police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the suspect was arrested at about 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Police said they recovered five cartons of suspected fake dry gin containing 120 bottles from the suspect.
The recovered products were reportedly labelled “Pointers Special Dry Gin.” Each carton contained 24 bottles, bringing the total number of bottles recovered to 120.
The police said Ntiense, a native of Ibiaku Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area and a resident along Abak Road, was allegedly conveying the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area when he was intercepted.
Following his arrest, the suspect and the recovered items were taken to the police station for preliminary investigation.
The police spokesman said the suspect allegedly confessed during questioning to involvement in the production of the suspected adulterated alcoholic beverages.
Following the development, operatives obtained and executed a search warrant at his residence and business premises.
During the search, police said they recovered substances and materials allegedly used in the production of the suspected fake alcoholic drinks.
The recovered items have reportedly been retained as exhibits as investigators continue to establish the full extent of the alleged operation.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Azare, has directed investigators to conduct a thorough and professional investigation into the case.
According to the police, the investigation will also focus on identifying other individuals who may be involved in the alleged production and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages across the state.
The command said the arrest forms part of its ongoing efforts to tackle the production, distribution and circulation of adulterated alcoholic drinks in Akwa Ibom.
