- recover suspected methanol; launch enforcement against dangerous alcoholic drinks
Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected producer of substances believed to contain methanol in connection with the sudden deaths of youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was arrested following reports of sudden and unexplained deaths allegedly linked to the consumption of locally produced alcoholic drinks and concoctions in the community.
Also arrested in connection with the tragedy are 14 others.
These were disclosed in a statement by the command spokesman, DSP Jimoh Abayomi.
Besides, the police recovered substances suspected to be methanol from the suspect. The materials have been submitted for further investigation and forensic examination to establish their composition and determine whether they are connected to the reported deaths.
Ihe command said it had contained the situation through sustained security, medical and investigative interventions in the affected community.
It, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths pending the outcome of medical and forensic examinations.
According to the police, the bodies of the deceased are undergoing the necessary medical and forensic procedures, while post-mortem examinations are expected to provide scientific evidence regarding the actual cause of death.
The development came as health officials intensified medical interventions in Araromi-Obu, where a significant number of youths were taken to the Odigbo Local Government medical facility for assessment, testing and treatment.
The police said the arrested suspect was assisting investigators in tracing the source, production process and distribution network of the substances suspected to be linked to the deaths.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has ordered a statewide enforcement operation against the production, sale and consumption of dangerous and unapproved alcoholic drinks and concoctions.
The operation, being conducted by officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Akure, is being carried out under the relevant provisions of the Liquor Act.
The enforcement exercise, which covers Ore and Odigbo, followed reports of sudden and unexplained deaths allegedly associated with the consumption of suspicious alcoholic substances.
Fourteen persons, comprising alleged sellers and consumers of the drinks and concoctions, were arrested at different locations during the operation.
The police said the case had been transferred to the State CID in Akure for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
A team of detectives was also deployed to Araromi-Obu on September 12 to gather additional evidence and advance the investigation.
The command said investigators were examining every relevant lead, including the source, production, composition, distribution and consumption of the suspected substances, as well as their possible connection to the deaths.
The 14 suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation, in accordance with applicable laws.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and preventing the circulation of substances capable of endangering public health and safety.
Ohagwu consequently directed sustained enforcement against the production, distribution and sale of unapproved, adulterated or potentially dangerous alcoholic substances across the state.
The police urged residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid consuming locally produced, unlabelled or suspicious alcoholic drinks and herbal concoctions, particularly products whose contents, source or safety cannot be verified.
The command also appealed to members of the public to promptly report the production, sale or circulation of suspected harmful substances to the nearest police station or through its official communication channels.
It said it would continue to work with health authorities, regulatory agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, prosecute anyone found culpable and safeguard the lives and well-being of residents.
