Akwa Ibom Police Arrest 40 Year Old Man, Recover 120 Bottles of Suspected Fake Dry Gin.

Akwa Ibom Police Arrest 40 Year Old Man, Recover 120 Bottles of Suspected Fake Dry Gin.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 40 year old man, identified as Ubong Ntiense, over the alleged production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages, following the recovery of 120 bottles of suspected fake dry gin in Ikot Ekpene.

Ntiense was arrested on September 26, 2026, during a stop and search operation along Aba Road in Ikot Ekpene. According to the police, he was allegedly transporting the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery when officers intercepted him.

The police said five cartons of suspected adulterated dry gin were recovered from the suspect. The products reportedly carried the label “Pointers Special Dry Gin,” with each carton containing 24 bottles, bringing the total number of recovered bottles to 120. The suspect was subsequently taken to the station alongside the recovered items for preliminary investigation.

According to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, Ntiense allegedly confessed during questioning to involvement in the production of the suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages. Following information obtained during the investigation, police secured and executed a search warrant at his residence and premises.

The search, police said, led to the recovery of substances and other materials allegedly used in the production of the adulterated drinks. The command has not indicated that the recovered products have undergone any independent laboratory testing, and the allegations against the suspect remain subject to investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Azare, directed investigators to conduct a thorough investigation aimed at identifying other individuals who may be connected to the alleged production, distribution and circulation of the suspected counterfeit products.

The police described the circulation of adulterated alcoholic beverages as a public safety concern, warning that consumers may unknowingly purchase products whose contents or origins are not what they appear to be. The command also warned manufacturers, distributors and retailers involved in counterfeit alcoholic beverages to desist from the practice.

The development comes amid continued enforcement efforts against the circulation of unregulated and suspected counterfeit alcoholic products in Nigeria. The police urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages and to report suspicious production or distribution activities to the police or relevant regulatory authorities.

As of the latest reports, investigation into the case is ongoing, with police seeking to establish the wider network, if any, behind the suspected production and distribution operation.