A Joint Security Task force(JTF) comprising of Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) and Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment, has uncovered two illegal distillery firms in Ikot Abia, Okon in Eket Local Government Area and arrested two suspects The Trumpet gathered.
The Trumpet gathered that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) DSP Sunday Digha, who led the raid, said the police was working on intelligence report to raid the illegal distilleries which produced and distributed fake alcoholic beverages in the area. Digha, who frowned at the development, said that the culprits would be charged to court. He said that two persons were arrested during the operations on the illegal distilleries in the area, adding that the exhibits would be taken to the station.
Also speaking, Mr Michael Effiong, the state team lead of the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, said the ministry was on the spot based on intelligence gathering from youths in the area.
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“Based on complaints, I was sent by the State Commissioner for Environment and Minerals Resources, Mr Charles Udoh, that certain people were into illegal operation in Eket,” Effiong said.
He said that some of the people had turned Eket environment into industrial hub to produce illegal distilleries. Effiong said that the team would put up a report to the authority concerned in the Ministry.
In his remarks, Mr Akaniyene Tommey, the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, condemned the act in totality and described it as nefarious activities. He explained that the illegal business had been existing for the past five years in the remote area of Okon Eket. He frowned at the illegal distilleries and urged the public to give useful information that would lead to the arrest of the culprits.
“I urge the public to be cautious of what is happening in their environment, if you see something, say something before it implicates you,” Tommey said.
The Chairman warned the fake producers to desist from the unwholesome practice as the wrath of the law would soon catch up on them.
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