The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a large-scale counterfeit drug manufacturing operation in the Ojo area of the state, marking what authorities describe as a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit pharmaceuticals.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh, who led journalists through the raided building on Alhaji Oki Road, Mosafejo, on Wednesday, said the discovery underscores the urgent need to protect the public from hazardous, unregulated drugs circulating in the market.
According to him, the illegal factory, situated on the top floor of a three-storey building, had been producing fake pharmaceutical products for mass distribution. Many of the recovered items were orally administered drugs deemed dangerous to unsuspecting consumers.
“Fake drugs injure and endanger the lives of thousands. The last floor of the three-storey building was where these items were being produced illegally,” Jimoh said. “The machines used to alter drug expiry dates and repackage expired products were also recovered.”
He explained that the operation was executed under the statutory powers of the police to investigate and apprehend individuals engaged in the production and distribution of counterfeit medical products. He added that the raid was conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory agencies.
The commissioner revealed that the suspected mastermind behind the illegal factory fled before the operation commenced. A manhunt is now underway, with investigators extending their probe beyond the raided premises.
“We will extend our investigation to all his activities. We are not going to limit our work to this building. Our collaboration with relevant agencies will continue until every person involved is brought to justice,” he said.
Jimoh issued a public advisory, urging Nigerians to be vigilant when purchasing medicines and to verify authenticity before use. He warned that counterfeiters often target unsuspecting buyers, making consumer awareness vital.
“Consumers must be very careful about where they buy their drugs. If you have doubts, verify before you buy,” he cautioned.
The commissioner commended officers of the command, community leaders, and residents whose credible intelligence made the raid possible, assuring whistleblowers of full protection.
“We appreciate the valuable information from the community. Once you give information to the police, we will protect you. This success came from actionable intelligence, and we want the public to have confidence in us,” he said.
Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained crime detection and prevention, noting that dismantling counterfeit drug networks remains a priority for law enforcement. He disclosed that further arrests are expected as investigations continue.
