A man, simply identified as Akanimo Akpan, is currently in police custody for producing fake drinks at Nung Udoe in the Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident occurred on March 8 at about 9 p.m.
It was also learnt that Akpan produced fake drinks in the state, including kombucha wines, Mac Meg Noni Organic, and Apple Cider Vinegar.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.
He added that the officers of the Anti-Robbery Squad arrested him based on credible information received from the public, noting that many gallons of various chemicals and contaminated merchandise were recovered from the suspect’s home.
“Relying on a credible intelligence report, on 08/03/2024, at about 2100 hours, operatives of the Anti-Robbery Squad arrested one Akanimo Monday Akpan of Efa Ayam Village, Etinan L.G.A., but residing at Factory Road, Nung Udoe, Ibesikpo Asutan L.G.A., who is involved in a case of adulteration of MAC MEG Apple Cider Vinegar, MAC MEG Noni Organic, Kombucha wines, and other products.
“The cooking machine, some gallons of different chemicals, and the adulterated products were recovered from the house and premises of the suspect,” he said.
Macdon stated that the suspect acknowledged committing the crime and admitted that he was not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
“The suspect confessed to the crime and that he does not have a NAFDAC registration number. The products are said to be dangerous for human consumption,” the police spokesperson said.
Last year, PUNCH Metro reported that men from the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control arrested 10 suspects over adulterated beverages as the agency shut down the cemetery market in Aba, Abia State.
The Director, South-East Zone of NAFDAC, Martins Iluyomade, said the suspects in the Cemetery Market occupy over 240 shops meant for traders, which they turned into production centres for large-scale adulteration of beverages and drugs.