POLICE in Lusaka yesterday raided a factory that has been making fake Johnson and Johnson products and picked the owner of the company to assist with investigations.

The raid comes barely a fortnight after police uncovered another company that was making counterfeit products carrying the trademark of the same pharmaceutical firm.

Inspector-General of Police, Ephraim Mateyo, said police were also investigating reports that the suspect attempted to offer US$30,000 as a bribe to a police officer investigating the case so that he could abandon the probe.

"We have picked one person to assist with investigations for producing fake products using the Johnson and Johnson Company. As police, we are determined to ensure the law is followed by all," he said.

He said the suspect would be given an appropriate charge once the investigations have been concluded, and urged those producing fake products to stop before the law cathes up with them.

Mr Mateyo, who visited the factory in Lusaka's light industrial area yesterday, warned that the police would not protect or shield any investor who decides to cheat the public by selling fake products.

The police sealed off the factory and would remain there to ensure that nobody tampers with the equipment used to produce the counterfeit products.

He said that the equipment would be used as exhibits in the courts of law, and challenged those wishing to do business in the country to ensure that they follow the laid-down procedures.

Mr Mateyo paid tribute to members of the public who had continued to inform the police on such illegal activities.