Police nab producer of adulterated wines and spirits in Lagos; shuts factory

The Lagos State Police Command have arrested the producer of adulterated spirits and wines of various brands at Ajuwon Market, Mushin, Lagos.

A 55-year old man, Benjamin Ojukwu confessed to being the owner of the factory where the adulterated alcoholic drinks are packaged and sold to the public at market price since 2005.

The police recovered empty bottles of various spirits and wine brands from the premises including Hennessy, Black Label, Gordon’s Dry Gin, Grand Masters, Blue Label wine, among other popular brands.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Imohimi Edgal, said the command was “working closely with NAFDAC to ensure that all samples are analysed, after which the suspect will be charged to court. We won’t allow this type of thing to happen in Lagos,” he said.

The suspect, Ojukwu said he learned how to produce Dry Gin and other spirits in Taiwan.

“Thereafter, I opened a factory in Nnewi, Anambra State, after getting approval from NAFDAC. Barely had I started operating than my shop was gutted by fire. I ventured into menial jobs to make ends meet. In the process, my wife left me.

“Seven years later, I was able to raise some money and relocated to Lagos where I started producing the drinks in my apartment.

“I buy these bottles and packs (pointing at the exhibit) from clubs, markets and scavengers at N70 and N100. After producing the drinks, I would fill them in the bottles and sell at the same price with the market rate.

“I produce once a month and they taste like the original. I have my own label; it includes Abel Schnapps Affonso, American Hennessy and Label 5 drinks, which are my original products.

“I was waiting to raise money to acquire the necessary machines and other requirements before applying for NAFDAC registration”,  Ojukwu said.

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