Man detained in Akwa Ibom for manufacturing counterfeit beverages

At Nung Udoe in the Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, a guy going by the name Akanimo Akpan is being held by the police for manufacturing counterfeit beverages.

PUNCH Metro learned that the event happened on March 8 at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Additionally, it was discovered that Akpan manufactured false beverages in the state, such as apple cider vinegar, Mac Meg Noni Organic, and kombucha wines.

Odiko Macdon, the public relations officer for the state police, verified the occurrence with our correspondent when being called.

He continued by saying that the Anti-Robbery Squad officers had detained him on the basis of reliable tips from the public, and that numerous gallons of different chemicals and tainted goods had been found in the suspect’s residence.

“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.

The suspect, according to Macdon, admitted to the crime and to not having a valid registration with the National Agency for Food and Drug 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.

When the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control closed the cemetery market in Aba, Abia State, last year, PUNCH Metro revealed that agents from the agency had detained ten individuals for contaminated beverages.

The suspects in the Cemetery Market, according to Martins Iluyomade, Director of NAFDAC’s South-East Zone, hold around 240 businesses intended for vendors, which they have converted into production facilities for the widespread adulteration of drugs and beverages.