Posted by Chinenye on Tue 04th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
Lagos police have uncovered a suspected fake drug operation linked to a wider distribution network.
(The exhibits. Photo: Punch News)
Two warehouses allegedly used for repackaging counterfeit pharmaceutical products were discovered by Lagos State Police Command agents, who also detained two suspected members of a syndicate engaged in the interstate and international distribution of counterfeit medications.
This was revealed on Monday by Lagos State Command Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani, who was briefing reporters at the command's Violent Crime Response Unit in the state's Ijora Olopa region.
The suspects, identified as Eze Okwudilichukwu, 52, and Chukwudi Mba, 42, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation carried out by detectives attached to the unit.
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended at a warehouse located at 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were allegedly repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products meant for distribution to various parts of Nigeria.
The police commissioner, Fatai, said the operation followed credible intelligence gathered on the syndicate's activities.
He explained that following their arrest and interrogation, the suspects led detectives to a second warehouse, where a duly executed search warrant was carried out.
During the search, a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products, bearing the registration number KFR 241 XA (Katsina), was recovered alongside other exhibits.
The police boss said items recovered during the operation included about 300 cartons of suspected adulterated Omeprazole; six bags containing unpackaged suspected adulterated Viagra, Ampiclox, Septrin, Piriton, and other pharmaceutical products; and about 10 cartons of suspected adulterated Ampiclox, Viagra, and other drugs.
He noted that more than 300 empty printed packs and cartons believed to have been used to repackage the counterfeit medicines were also recovered.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had been involved in the repackaging and distribution of suspected adulterated drugs for over two years.
He added that detectives uncovered evidence suggesting the products were being supplied to different parts of Nigeria, with large consignments also destined for Lomé, Togo, pointing to the existence of a transnational distribution network.
He further disclosed that investigations suggest the suspected adulterated drugs are being manufactured somewhere within Lagos State, though the production facility has not yet been located. He said detectives had intensified efforts to identify and dismantle the factory, and to arrest all those connected with the operation.
The commissioner also alleged that attempts were made to compromise the investigation following the suspects' arrest, stating that desperate efforts had been made through different channels to induce officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit to release the suspects and the recovered exhibits.
He stressed that these attempts were firmly resisted, adding that the command remains committed to professionalism, integrity and the rule of law, and that no pressure or inducement would derail the course of justice.
Fatai said the suspects, the recovered exhibits and the case file had since been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further investigation and possible prosecution, explaining that the handover was necessary since the matter falls within the regulatory mandate of the agency.
The commissioner commended operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation, while urging members of the public to provide useful information regarding the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products and other criminal activities.