By Christopher Oji
The Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Onikan, Lagos, has busted a syndicate involved in illegal production of children’s cough syrup in the state.
The Command, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, under the leadership of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr Olatoye A. Durosinmi, also arrested one suspect in connection with the adulterated cough syrup.
AIG Olatoye, who paraded the suspect among 23 others, including a lady who faked her own kidnap, warned members of the public to be wary of the medicine stores they patronise to avoid death of their sick ones, especially the little children.
The AIG, who was represented by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), SP Umma Ayuba, said the arrest of the suspected producer of adulterated cough syrup was sequel to a petition filed by the Managing Director of Wihyaland Pharmaceutical Limited, Walter Anyaoha.
Anyaoha alleged that his trainee, Chisom Ndukwu, who was living with him suddenly left the house to an unknown place, and when he checked his shop, he realised that four cartons of JVI drugs, valued N9,600,000:00 were also missing in the shop.
“Investigation into the allegation by CSP Omotayo Adegbite, O/C Zonal Anti-Crime Unit, led to the arrest of the suspect in company of his accomplice, Mark Chukwuemeka Ambush, who is into the production of adulterated cough syrups.
“Upon search conducted in the houses and premises of the suspects, bags containing packs with inscription of DSP Codein cough syrup and empty bottles and covers of cough syrups were recovered.
“The suspects admitted to the crime with one Kosi, who is currently at large. Investigation is ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, updates will be provided to members of the public.
“In our effort to mitigate crime within the Zone, we have recorded tremendous success in the war against crime and criminality.
“We have a total of 23 suspects; 21 of which are male and two females charged with various offences bothering on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, breaking and stealing, armed robbery and adulteration of pharmaceutical drugs, while assorted arms, ammunition, cudgels and other exhibits, including adulterated pharmaceutical materials were recovered from the suspect,” she stated.