The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two soldiers and two civilians in connection with an illegal pharmaceutical operation discovered in the Alaba International Market area of ​​the state.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to the production and distribution of counterfeit and expired drugs in various parts of Lagos.
The police also traced some of the illicit pharmaceuticals to major drug outlets in FESTAC towns, Satellite Town and Lagos Island.
Sources in the Ojo Police Division revealed that the two soldiers allegedly played a key role in distributing fake medicines to various places in the state on behalf of the manufacturers.
The arrests followed the interception of a vehicle carrying illegal drugs by a team of police officers from 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 detained 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 interrogations and investigative efforts personally supervised by CSP Olaifa eventually led to the discovery of the location where the drugs were manufactured.
Further findings showed that the original founder of the illegal operation is deceased, but the business is reportedly maintained by his wife and other workers.
The source added that information received in September 2025 pointed to the movement of suspicious pharmaceuticals on a commercial bus around St Patrick’s bus stop, near Alaba International Market.
Based on the information, detectives moved to the area, where two men dressed in military camouflage were arrested in possession of expired drugs.
As the case progressed, the DPO allegedly began receiving unsolicited phone calls from unidentified people who attempted to influence the investigation by offering large bribes in exchange for the release of the suspects and termination of the case.
However, the police source said CSP Olaifa rejected all incentives, citing serious public health risks associated with counterfeit and expired medicines, and assured that the case was formally transferred to the state police headquarters for further action.
Investigations also discovered that at least five people were actively involved in the production of counterfeit medicines and altering their expiration dates, allegedly carrying out operations at night to avoid detection.
The items recovered from the syndicate include ampicillin, promethazine hydrochloride, quinine hydrochloride, various brands of anti-malarial drugs and medical syringes.