A major counterfeit drug network operating within and beyond Nigeria has been uncovered by the Lagos State Police Command following the arrest of two suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in repackaging and trafficking adulterated pharmaceutical products across the country and the West African sub-region.
The operation, which also led to the recovery of hundreds of cartons of suspected counterfeit drugs and packaging materials, exposed what investigators described as a well-organised distribution network that had allegedly operated for more than two years.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed the breakthrough on Monday while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters.
According to him, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a warehouse at No. 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where the suspects were allegedly repackaging adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution.
The suspects apprehended during the operation were identified as 52-years-old Eze Okwudilichukwu, and 42-year-old Chukwudi Mba.
The police commissioner said the suspects later led detectives to another warehouse where a search, conducted under a valid warrant, resulted in the recovery of a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products bearing registration number KFR 241 XA (Katsina).
Other items recovered included about 300 cartons of suspected adulterated Omeprazole, six bags containing unpackaged suspected Viagra, Ampiclox, Septrin, Piriton and other pharmaceutical products, 10 cartons of suspected adulterated Ampiclox, Viagra and other drugs, as well as more than 300 empty printed packs and cartons allegedly used to repackage counterfeit medicines.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had allegedly been repackaging and distributing suspected counterfeit pharmaceutical products for over two years.
The police also discovered that the products were supplied to different parts of Nigeria, while substantial quantities were allegedly destined for Lomé, Togo, suggesting the existence of a transnational distribution network.
Fatai said investigators believe the suspected counterfeit drugs were manufactured somewhere within Lagos State, adding that efforts have been intensified to locate the production facility and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
He further disclosed that several attempts were allegedly made through different channels to induce officers handling the case to release both the suspects and the recovered exhibits.
According to him, the officers rejected the offers and remained committed to ensuring that the investigation was not compromised.
Given the nature of the case, the Commissioner said the suspects, recovered exhibits and case file had been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and regulatory action.
He said the transfer would enable the agency to continue investigations, trace the source of the suspected counterfeit drugs and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.
The commissioner commended operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for what he described as a professional, intelligence-led operation and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities involving counterfeit medicines and other criminal enterprises.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to collaborating with relevant agencies to curb the circulation of fake pharmaceutical products and safeguard public health.