The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, discovered an illegal wine production and distribution firm at Muibi Olawumi Close, off Ayetoro/Itẹle Road, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State.
Zone 2 Command, which includes Lagos and Ogun State Command, has issued a warning that contaminated food and alcohol are circulating in the states.
A couple responsible for the illegal wine production enterprise has been arrested and is being questioned by a detective from Zone 2 Raider Section, lead by CSP Ngozi Braide.
In a statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer(ZPPRO) Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan-Lagos, SP Ayuba T. Umma, explained that the Command, under the leadership of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Olatoye A. Durosinmi, has successfully apprehended a couple for production and distribution of various adulterated alcoholic beverages.
“The crackdown occurred on April 4, 2024, when a team of Detectives from the Zone 2 Raider Section, led by CSP Ngozi Braide, conducted a raid on a residence in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA. 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 Unlabeled 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 included brand label 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.
“One Margret Austine 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 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, Assistant Inspector-General Durosinmi urges the public to be vigilant when purchasing food and beverages. He expresses concern that the presence of adulterated products poses a serious risk to consumer health.
“The Command remains committed to the safety and well-being of all residents within Lagos and Ogun States.”