It was the end of the road for a syndicate that specialized in importing fake drugs from China into Nigeria, following the arrest of one of its suspected members and the recovery of a truckload of Panadol Extra and Chloramphenicol eye-drop.
The arrest was made following a tip off, which saw operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State police command, storm the Trade Fair complex, along the Mile 2-Badagry expressway, where the truck was intercepted.
The 35-year-old suspect, Hope Ikerimba, had gone to supply the medicine to a buyer with an unknown identity. In an interview with the suspect, he said: “My friend, Solomon Afoaku, owns the goods. He lives in Kano State. He called me on the phone last Thursday, that he would want me to help him supply the goods to a buyer. He said that the buyer refused to pay for the goods, saying he had to see them before he would pay.
“Someone brought the goods to me at Trade Fair, where I sell spare parts. The plan was for the buyer to come inspect the goods there and thereafter, I would follow him to the bank to ensure he paid into Solomon’s account before I release the goods to him. Immediately the man arrived to inspect the goods, SARS men came.”
Police sources revealed that moves were on to arrest the owner.