The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two soldiers and two civilians in connection with an illegal pharmaceutical operation uncovered in the Alaba International Market area of the state.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to the production and distribution of fake and expired drugs across several parts of Lagos.
The police also traced some of the illicit pharmaceutical products to major drug outlets in FESTAC Town, Satellite Town, and Lagos Island.
Sources within the Ojo Police Division disclosed that the two soldiers allegedly played a key role in distributing the fake drugs to various locations in the state on behalf of the manufacturers.
The arrests followed the interception of a vehicle conveying the illegal drugs by a team of police officers from the Ojo Police Station, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Omolola Olaifa.
A police source, who requested anonymity, said the initial arrest involved two soldiers who were apprehended while transporting the drugs.
The source noted that the investigation was challenging, as the suspects were initially uncooperative and refused to reveal the origin of the products or their intended destination.
According to the source, sustained interrogation and investigative efforts personally overseen by CSP Olaifa eventually led to the discovery of the location where the drugs were being manufactured.
Further findings showed that the original founder of the illegal operation is deceased, but the business has reportedly been sustained by his wife and other workers.
The source added that intelligence received in September 2025 pointed to the movement of suspicious pharmaceutical products in a commercial bus around the St Patrick bus stop near Alaba International Market.
Acting on the information, detectives were deployed to the area, where two men dressed in military camouflage were arrested in possession of expired drugs.
As the case progressed, the DPO reportedly began receiving unsolicited phone calls from unidentified individuals who attempted to influence the investigation by offering substantial bribes in exchange for the release of the suspects and the termination of the case.
However, the police source said CSP Olaifa rejected all inducements, citing the grave public health risks associated with fake and expired medicines, and ensured that the case was formally transferred to the state police headquarters for further action.
Investigations also uncovered that at least five individuals were actively involved in producing the fake drugs and altering their expiry dates, with operations reportedly carried out at night to avoid detection.
Items recovered from the syndicate include ampicillin, promethazine hydrochloride, quinine hydrochloride, various brands of anti-malarial drugs, and medical syringes.
Police arrest two soldiers, others over fake drug factory in Lagos
