Police detectives attached to the Zonal Raiders, led by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ngozi Braide have arrested a couple who specialised in the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages in Lagos.
The couple identified as Mr and Mrs Austin Idemudia were rounded up somewhere in Ado-Odo area of Ogun State following intelligence on their illicit production and distribution of various types of alcoholic beverages.
Police sources said the illegal production apartment has been sealed off, while the suspects are in custody and would have their day in court at the end of investigation.
Confirming the arrest yesterday, spokesperson for the Zone 2 Command, SP Ayuba Umma, said the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of the zone, Olatoye Durosinmi has warned members of the public to be careful to scrutinise alcoholic beverages at stalls when purchasing them.
She said: “The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan Lagos, under the leadership of AIG Durosinmi, has successfully apprehended a couple for production and distribution of various adulterated alcoholic beverages.
“The crackdown occurred on April 4, when a team of Detectives from the Zone 2 Raider Section, led by CSP Ngozi Braide, conducted a raid on a residence in Muibi Olawumi Close, Off Ayetoto/Itẹle Road, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Council of Ogun State.
“Acting on intelligence, the officers discovered an illicit operation producing counterfeit wines, liquor, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks.
“The raid yielded a significant amount of incriminating evidence, including unlabelled and branded bottles of suspected adulterated alcoholic drinks, various containers filled with mixtures suspected to be ingredients for the adulterated beverages.
“Equipment used in the production process, such as pumping machines, funnels and sealing machines. Other items include brand labels of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, Smooth Brandy Wine Drinks in packs, a funnel containing a white handkerchief (used as filter) and corkscrew among various other production and branding items.”
Umma said one Margret Austine, ‘f’, was apprehended at the scene and she confessed to a six-year involvement in the illegal operation, alongside her husband, Austine Idemudia (a.k.a. “Baba Joshua”).
Margret, Umma said, confirmed that their adulterated finished products are sold to buyers across Lagos and Ogun states.
“The Zone 2 Command is actively investigating this case and will release further information to the general public as it becomes available.
“Given this incident, Durosinmi urges the public to be vigilant when purchasing food and beverages,” the spokesperson said.
He expressed concern that the presence of adulterated products poses a serious risk to consumer health.
“The Zone 2 Police Command remains committed to the safety and well-being of all residents within Lagos and Ogun States,” she added.
