The Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, has apprehended a couple over their alleged engagement in the production and distribution of various counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

SP Umma Ayuba, the Zonal Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos. According to Ayuba, the arrest took place on April 4 when a team of detectives from the Zone 2 Raider Section, under the leadership of CSP Ngozi Braide, conducted a raid on a residence located in Muibi Olawumi Close, off Ayetoro-Itele Road, Ado-Odo-Ota LGA, Ogun State.

Based on intelligence received, the officers uncovered an illicit operation involved in manufacturing counterfeit wines, liquors, champagnes, and other alcoholic drinks, Ayuba stated. She mentioned that the raid yielded substantial incriminating evidence, including unlabeled and branded bottles suspected to contain adulterated alcoholic drinks, assorted containers filled with mixtures believed to be ingredients for the counterfeit beverages, and equipment utilized in the production process such as pumping machines, funnels, and sealing machines.

Additionally, various items related to production and branding, including brand labels of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, and Smooth Brandy wine drinks in packs, were seized during the raid, Ayuba added. She mentioned the discovery of a funnel containing a white handkerchief, which was allegedly used as a filter, and a corkscrew among other production-related items.

Ayuba further disclosed that one of the suspects, Margret Austine, was apprehended at the scene, and she confessed to being involved in the illegal operation for approximately six years alongside her husband, Austine Idemudia, also known as Baba Joshua. According to Ayuba, Margret admitted to the crime and revealed that their adulterated products were sold to buyers across Lagos and Ogun states.

The Zonal PRO assured that investigations into the matter are ongoing, and further information will be released to the public in due course.