By Evelyn Usman 

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) have arrested two suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the repackaging and interstate trafficking of suspected adulterated and counterfeit pharmaceutical products.

Recovered from the suspects’ warehouse at No. 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, were about 300 cartons of suspected adulterated Omeprazole, six bags containing unpackaged suspected adulterated 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 for repackaging the products.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed this on Monday while handing over the suspects and the recovered exhibits to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

According to him, preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate had allegedly been operating for more than two years, distributing the suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products across Nigeria and to neighbouring West African countries.

The suspects were identified as Eze Okwudilichukwu, 52, and Chukwudi Mba, 42.

CP Fatai said: “Preliminary investigations revealed that the criminal syndicate has been engaged in the repackaging and distribution of suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for over two years.

“Further investigations established that the products were being transported to different parts of Nigeria, with substantial quantities also destined for Lomé, Togo, indicating the existence of a transnational distribution network.

“Investigations also suggest that the suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products are being manufactured somewhere within Lagos State. While the production facility has not yet been located, detectives have intensified efforts to identify and dismantle the factory, arrest all those connected with the operation and bring them to justice.

“It is also pertinent to state that since the arrest of the suspects, desperate attempts have been made through different channels to compromise the investigation by inducing officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit to release both the suspects and the recovered exhibits.

“I wish to categorically state that these attempts were firmly resisted. The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, integrity and the rule of law, and no amount of pressure or inducement will derail the course of justice.

“Given the nature of this case and its direct relevance to the regulation and enforcement of standards relating to pharmaceutical products, I am today formally handing over the suspects, the recovered exhibits and the case file to the Director of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Martins Iluyomade, for further investigation and necessary regulatory action.

“This handover underscores the Lagos State Police Command’s resolve to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice through the appropriate legal and regulatory processes.”