BY GODWIN OBI
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intensified its clampdown on illicit pharmaceuticals with the handover of three containers of expired drugs to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The formal handover took place on Friday in Lagos, where the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to protecting public health and national security.
Onyeka said the seizure was part of the command’s sustained anti-smuggling drive and stressed that safeguarding Nigerians from harmful products requires collective responsibility.
“I warmly welcome you to Tin Can Island Port Command to highlight our achievement in the anti-smuggling drive aimed at safeguarding public health and national security,” Onyeka said.
“Today marks the formal handover of three 20-foot containers of expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC for appropriate regulatory action.”
He explained that two of the containers—numbered PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0—were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets. A detailed examination showed that one container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second contained 250 cartons of the same expired product.
The third container, with number MSKU413519/1, was discovered to contain 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets without a valid NAFDAC registration number.
“This consignment is illegal and dangerous for public consumption,” Onyeka warned, noting the serious health risks posed by expired and unregulated drugs.
Beyond the seizures, he said the Tin Can Island Command has strengthened cargo examination procedures, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations to intercept prohibited and falsely declared goods.
“The command proactively intercepts controlled pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, narcotics, and other items that threaten public safety and economic stability,” he said.
Onyeka added that while enforcement efforts have been intensified, the command continues to facilitate legitimate trade and contribute significantly to government revenue in line with the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“These achievements are the result of discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he said.
He commended NAFDAC for its cooperation, noting that the synergy between both agencies has been instrumental in preventing fake, substandard, and expired drugs from entering the Nigerian market.
The Customs boss also praised officers of the command for their dedication and professionalism, describing their efforts as key to its operational effectiveness. He further thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for reforms and leadership that have strengthened customs operations nationwide.
“Our command will not relent in combating illicit trade and enforcing compliance with existing laws,” Onyeka assured, pledging continued collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Receiving the seized drugs, NAFDAC’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr Kareem Adekunle, said the expired pharmaceutical products would be destroyed by burning, in line with regulatory standards.
Adekunle commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its exemplary cooperation and pledged NAFDAC’s continued partnership to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.
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