Lagos, Nigeria – June 6, 2024 – In a significant crackdown on the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspects during a raid at an illegal factory located in Oko-Arin Market, Lagos Island.
The suspects, identified as Ogujiofor Emeka, 41, and Desmond Chima, 31, were apprehended while others managed to escape.
The operation, which took place on June 4, 2024, was confirmed by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to Hundeyin, the tactical team of the Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, acted on credible intelligence that indicated the presence of illegal alcohol production activities at the market.
“We received credible information that a group of boys were sighted at Oko-Arin Market, illegally producing alcoholic drinks.
Operatives of the CP tactical team immediately mobilized to the scene, and they arrested one Ogujiofor Emeka, 41, and Desmond Chima, 31, in the act while others escaped,” said Hundeyin.
During the raid, the police recovered a substantial quantity of adulterated alcoholic beverages and production materials.
The items seized included five cartons of Jack Daniels, two cartons of Black Barrel, one carton of William Lawson’s, one carton of Jameson, one carton of Black Label, and one carton of Remy Martin.
Additionally, the officers confiscated six cartons of empty Glenfiddich bottles, one carton of empty Divin Bardar bottles, and one carton of empty Vodka bottles, along with various labels and corks used for producing the counterfeit drinks.
The suspects reportedly supplied these counterfeit products to customers in Cotonou, Benin Republic, thereby extending the reach of their illegal operations beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Preliminary investigations have indicated that the adulterated drinks were distributed under the guise of genuine brands, posing significant health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
“The arrest of these individuals marks a critical step in our ongoing efforts to curb the menace of counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Lagos State and beyond,” Hundeyin added.
“We are committed to ensuring that such illegal activities are stamped out, and we will continue to pursue those involved in the production and distribution of fake and potentially dangerous products.”
The police are continuing their investigation to apprehend the other suspects who escaped during the raid. The authorities have also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the production or sale of adulterated alcoholic beverages.
The consumption of counterfeit alcohol can have severe health consequences, including poisoning and long-term organ damage.
This raid underscores the importance of regulatory enforcement and public awareness in combating the proliferation of fake products in the market.
The Lagos State Police Command has reassured the public of its dedication to maintaining law and order, protecting consumers, and ensuring that the state’s markets remain free from illicit and harmful goods.
The arrests at Oko-Arin Market are a testament to the effectiveness of their tactical operations and the vital role of community cooperation in identifying and addressing illegal activities.
As investigations continue, the police have appealed for any additional information that could lead to the capture of the remaining suspects and the dismantling of other similar operations within the state.
The public is encouraged to report any further information to the nearest police station or through the designated hotlines.
This successful raid serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against counterfeit products and the critical need for continued vigilance and enforcement to protect public health and safety.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
