Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 48-year-old man, Anaebo Emeka Hilary, following the discovery of a suspected illegal factory allegedly used for the production and packaging of adulterated alcoholic drinks in Yafin, Badagry, Lagos State.
The suspected facility was uncovered by operatives of the command following credible information received from members of the public about activities allegedly taking place at the premises.
According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command on Thursday, the operatives acted on the intelligence by moving to the location, where they conducted a search of the facility.
During the operation, the police said they recovered quantities of suspected adulterated alcoholic drinks, empty bottles, wine labels and various utensils believed to have been used in the production and packaging process.
Hilary, who was reportedly found at the location during the operation, was arrested by the police and taken into custody for questioning.
The command subsequently sealed the suspected factory to prevent further activities at the premises while investigations into the alleged operation continue.
The recovered items were also taken to the police station for examination and further investigation as detectives work to establish the source of the materials and determine the circumstances surrounding their alleged use in the production of alcoholic beverages.
The police said the investigation would also seek to establish whether the drinks were produced and packaged for commercial distribution and identify any other individuals who may be connected to the operation.
The development comes amid continued concerns over the circulation of adulterated alcoholic beverages, which can pose serious public health risks when consumed.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, commended the officers involved in the operation for acting promptly on the information received and maintaining vigilance during the raid.
Fatai said the command would continue to rely on intelligence-led policing to identify and disrupt criminal activities across Lagos State.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious activities within their communities.
According to him, cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies remains important in preventing criminal activities and ensuring that suspected offenders are brought before the appropriate authorities.
The commissioner assured residents that the command would continue to strengthen its operational and intelligence-gathering efforts in different parts of the state.
The arrest of Hilary and the sealing of the suspected factory form part of ongoing police efforts to tackle activities considered unlawful through intelligence-driven operations.
However, the police investigation is expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged production of the alcoholic drinks, including the intended market for the products and whether other persons or facilities were involved.
Hilary remains in police custody as investigators continue their inquiries. The police said further developments would follow as the investigation progresses.
