By Desire Emmanuel
A 67-year-old woman arrested by men of the Delta State Police Command for producing fake alcoholic drinks has told the operatives that she had been doing the business for more than 20 years.
The woman, whose name was given as Lydia Osanebi, was arrested on December 14 at Otor-Edor, Ughelli area of the state, by the operatives attached to the Eagle Net Special Squad of the command.
Her arrest was announced by the command in a statement on Friday, December 19, saying the operatives executed a search warrant at her residence and premises following a credible intelligence report received.
According to the command, during the search, the operatives recovered large quantities of chemicals which included methanol, formalin and carminic acid, alongside empty and newly-printed seals and packaging materials of various brands of dry gin.
Also said to have been recovered were over 60 litres of adulterated dry gin, super glue, stickers and shot glasses.
During interrogation after her arrest, the woman reportedly told the operatives that she had been producing and repackaging adulterated dry gin using recycled original bottles for over 20 years.
The command wrote: “Preliminary investigation revealed that methanol, one of the recovered substances, is highly toxic and capable of causing severe health complications, including organ failure, permanent blindness, coma and death.”
The woman was said to have given more useful information to the police operatives while more investigations are ongoing to determine the scope of distribution and identify other persons involved in the illicit activities.
