Picnews
The Lagos State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on counterfeit pharmaceutical products, arresting two suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the repackaging and interstate trafficking of adulterated medicines.
The operation, which also uncovered an alleged cross-border distribution network extending into the West African sub-region, highlights the Command’s determination to dismantle organised criminal networks and protect public health.
Counterfeit medicines remain a serious threat to lives and the integrity of Nigeria’s healthcare system, making sustained enforcement against those engaged in the illicit trade a critical national priority.
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed that operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects—Eze Okwudilichukwu, 52, and Chukwudi Mba, 42—at a warehouse located at No. 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were allegedly repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution.
According to the police commissioner, investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a criminal syndicate engaged in the repackaging and interstate trafficking of suspected counterfeit and adulterated drugs within Nigeria and across the West African region.
Further investigations led detectives to another warehouse, where a search warrant was executed. During the operation, officers recovered a truck loaded with suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products, about 300 cartons of suspected counterfeit Omeprazole, six bags containing unpackaged Viagra, Ampiclox, Septrin, Piriton and other drugs, 10 additional cartons of suspected adulterated medicines, as well as more than 300 empty printed packs and cartons allegedly used for repackaging counterfeit products.
CP Fatai disclosed that preliminary investigations indicate the syndicate had been operating for over two years, with consignments allegedly distributed to several parts of Nigeria and to Lomé, Togo, pointing to a wider transnational trafficking network.
He added that intelligence gathered during the investigation suggests the suspected counterfeit drugs were being manufactured somewhere within Lagos State. He said detectives have intensified efforts to locate and dismantle the production facility, arrest all those connected with the operation, and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
The police commissioner also revealed that following the suspects’ arrest, some individuals attempted to compromise the investigation by offering inducements to officers handling the case. However, he stressed that the bribery attempts were firmly rejected.
“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, integrity and the rule of law. No amount of pressure or inducement will derail the course of justice,” he said.
CP Fatai announced that the suspects, recovered exhibits and the case file had been formally handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and regulatory action.
Receiving the suspects and exhibits, the Director of NAFDAC, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, is expected to continue investigations to ensure all those connected with the alleged criminal enterprise are brought to justice through the appropriate legal and regulatory processes.
The commissioner commended officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit for their professionalism and dedication, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that will assist security agencies in combating counterfeit pharmaceuticals and other criminal activities.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding public health and strengthening collaboration with regulatory agencies, noting that sustained cooperation between law enforcement authorities, regulators and the public remains essential to dismantling organised criminal networks and keeping dangerous counterfeit medicines out of circulation.
