A 67 years old woman, Lydia Osanebi, has been arrested for allegedly producing fake drinks in Ughelli, Delta State.
The suspect was arrested during an operation on 14th December 2025, during which the police recovered large quantities of dangerous drinks and chemicals.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday.
The statement read, “On 14th December 2025, at about 0730hrs, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Ughelli Surveillance Team, acting on credible intelligence, executed a search warrant at the residence and premises of one Lydia Osanebi, female, aged 67 years, of 14th Street, Otor-Edor, Ughelli, Delta State.
“During the search, operatives recovered large quantities of dangerous chemicals suspected to include methanol, formalin and cochineal (carminic acid), alongside empty and newly printed seals and packaging materials of various brands of dry gin.
“Also recovered were over sixty (60) litres of suspected counterfeited and adulterated dry gin, super glue, stickers and shot glasses. The suspect was arrested and, during interrogation,voluntarily confessed to producing and repackaging adulterated dry gin using recycled original bottles for over twenty (20) years.
“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.
“Investigation is ongoing to determine the scope of distribution and identify other persons involved.”
Police arrest 67-year-old woman for producing fake drinks in Delta
