The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a fake pharmaceutical factory in the Oyingbo area of Lagos, where counterfeit drugs were being illegally produced and packaged for distribution.
According to a statement from the command, the operation was carried out by officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) following intelligence reports. The illegal factory, concealed within a residential building, was used to manufacture and repackage fake versions of popular pharmaceutical products.
During the raid, several suspects were arrested, including the alleged mastermind behind the operation. Items recovered from the premises included unlabelled tablets, expired drugs, fake packaging materials, sealing equipment, and labels of well-known drug brands.
The Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, described the discovery as alarming and a serious threat to public health. He warned that the distribution of unapproved and counterfeit drugs could lead to severe health complications or even death.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations. The police also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to trace distribution channels and collaborators within and outside the state.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been notified and is expected to take part in the prosecution and further investigations.
Lagos residents are urged to be vigilant, report suspicious drug activities, and ensure they purchase medications only from licensed pharmacies and verified healthcare outlets.
The police assured the public of continued crackdowns on illegal drug activities across the state.
