COURT REMANDS SUSPECT IN PRISON FOR PRODUCTION & SALE OF FAKE DRUG

A FEDERAL High Court in Awka, Anambra State on Thursday remanded in prison custody one Ejike Okereke for alleged production and distribution of fake cough syrup known as Codrux Cough Syrup.

46 year old Okereke who was arraigned by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at the Federal High Court, Awka, was charged with a 5-point offence.

Counsel to NAFDAC, Mr. Jombo Adumen, alleged that the accused who resided at James Street, Iyiowa Odekpe, Onitsha, had on Feb. 2 produced, packaged and sold, fake Codrux Cough Syrup in a manner that was misleading.

Mr. Adumen argued that the suspect committed an offense contrary to sections of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004 and punishable under the same act.

The accused who appeared without any counsel pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

However, the presiding judge, Justice N. I. Oweibo, in his ruling, ordered that the accused (Okereke) be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter until April 11, 2017.

CHUKWUBUIKE MADU