Drinking bar operator arrested for selling local gin mixed with “indian hemp”
A routine swoop carried out by the Achimota Mile Seven Police Command has led to the arrest of a drinking bar operator who is alleged to be selling akpeteshie, a local gin, mixed with suspected “Indian hemp” to consumers.
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Irene Nyamebuo, 47, was arrested last week at her bar, popularly called “James Town”, at Ofankor in Accra.
Items retrieved from the suspect are half a bag of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, two gallons of the local gin, a bucket filled with the Indian hemp used for preparing the adulterated drink.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Police awaiting prosecution.
Arrest
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Achimota Mile Seven Police Commander, Superintendent of Police, Theo Hlormenu, said Ms Nyamebuo was arrested on November 19, this month, during a general swoop by the police at Achimota and its surrounding communities.
Upon her arrest, Superintendent Hlormenu said a large quantity of akpeteshie with some dried leaves, believed to be Indian soaked in the local gin was retrieved.
He explained that upon interrogation, the suspect revealed that the dried leaves were given to her by one Awaga who is currently on the run.
“She said Awaga told her to mix the drink with the dried leaves so she could make a lot of money for the two to share,” Superintendent Hlormenu further stated.
Liquour License Act, 1970
Making reference to the Liquour Licensing Act, 1970 (Act 331) of Ghana, Superintendent Hlormenu stated that it was illegal for one to sell any alcoholic beverage without adhering to the dictates of the act.
“It is even illegal for anyone to sell such items without first registering them at the appropriate quarters,” he stressed.
According to him, the police would not relent in its efforts to clamp down on miscreants who continued to sell quack items to consumers in the country.
He warned that such individuals must desist from such activities to avoid the wrath of the security agency, and added that “we’ll be embarking on regular premises checks.”
As the yuletide approaches, Superintendent Hlormenu advised the general public to be cautious in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially the local gin, in order not to put their lives at risk