Benin: A producer of adulterated alcoholic beverages has been shut down in Parakou.

For several weeks, a suspect had been operating in the Koburu area, setting up a makeshift distillery in the back room of a house in the Albarika neighborhood. She was reportedly producing counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

During a surprise raid, police officers discovered the young woman in the process of producing Pastis, Dry Gin, and Diamond Whisky, all entirely made from chemical products. The search resulted in the seizure of two large containers of suspicious liquids, dozens of empty bottles, packaging from well-known brands, and a collection of labels and dyes intended to imitate genuine alcoholic beverages.

When questioned, the individual admitted to operating independently and selling her products in bulk. Investigations further revealed that she had an official storefront in the Alagar district, where a second police team seized four additional boxes of the counterfeit alcohol.

The individual, who is currently being held for questioning and whose counterfeit goods have been seized, will soon have to answer to the Public Prosecutor.