The Lagos State Police Command said it has arrested three suspects involved in the production of fake alcoholic drinks in the Apongbon area of Lagos.

The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP. Bala Elkana, said on Sunday in Ikeja, that the suspects were arrested based on a tip-off received by the police.

According to Elkana, on June 20, at noon, the command received information about illegal production of alcoholic beverages at No. 5 Chapel St., Off Apongbon, Lagos Island.

“A team of operatives from the State Intelligence Bureau was deployed to the area on surveillance patrol.

“The operation led to the arrest of three suspects. Large quantities of alcoholic beverages suspected to be adulterated were recovered.

“The beverage brands include Hennessy VSOP, Hennessy Xo, Moet Chandon, Jack Daniel, Remy Martins, Red label and others.

“Also recovered from the illegal production mini-factory were gallons of substances suspected to be ethanol, cognac coloration, rubber cocks, top cocks, labels, stickers and other instruments used in the illegal business.

“The suspects confessed to the commission of the crime and police are on the trail of one suspect believed to be the leader of the gang, who is still at large,” he said in a statement.

Similarly, in Aba, Abia State, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) raided the popular Eziukwu Market, also known as Cemetery Market and seized counterfeit and expired alcoholic drinks worth millions of naira.

Market sources said that NAFDAC officials raided several shops suspected to be used for the production of illicit and relabeling of expired drinks.

The area is said to be notorious for the production and relabeling of expired products, with an automated machine for corking.

The traders regretted the criminal activities of some of their colleagues, saying it has given genuine drinks and beverage sellers a bad name. They called for more powers to be given to NAFDAC and SON to rid the market, especially in Aba, of fake and adulterated products.

“I can’t say how much the seized products are worth, but I can say it was huge. At the end of the raid, they left here with about three buses loaded with products, and we learned that they couldn’t go with the entire items because they were enormous and may not enter the cars that they came with.”

A police source confirmed the raid but said the presence of police and army was to ensure the safety of NAFDAC officials.

He added that the seized products were handed over to NAFDAC officials for further investigation.