Korede Abdullah 
WARRI, Nigeria – Suspected adulterated beverages have been recovered by the Delta State Police Command after operatives intercepted a vehicle transporting the products and uncovered a warehouse allegedly used to store additional consignments during an intelligence-led operation in Warri.
The police also arrested a 44-year-old driver and launched a manhunt for other suspects who fled the warehouse before officers arrived.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday, saying operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Warri, intercepted a Toyota Sienna along the Warri–Agbarho Expressway on August 17, 2026, during a routine stop-and-search operation.
According to Edafe, officers discovered quantities of a product identified as “Gbefun Hot Drink,” which they suspected had been adulterated.
The discovery prompted investigators to trace the consignment to a warehouse located at Lower Ginuwa, Warri, where additional quantities of the suspected adulterated beverages and other drinks were recovered.
Police also found a Suzuki Shuttle bus loaded with similar products inside the premises.
However, the suspected operators reportedly escaped immediately after noticing the approaching officers.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and establish the source, production process and distribution network of the suspected adulterated beverages,” Edafe said.
The police said investigations would determine where the products were manufactured, whether they were counterfeit, and how they entered the consumer market.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, SAKU operatives arrested 28-year-old Happiness Clifford in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, over alleged involvement in illegal arms trafficking.
Edafe said officers recovered 10 live cartridges concealed inside a bucket during a search of the suspect’s residence.
“Efforts have been intensified to apprehend Okoro, while investigations continue into the source and intended destination of the ammunition,” the police spokesperson said.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Abah Felicity 
Oluwafunbi Bello