Customs intercepts N1.8bn expired pharmaceuticals, others at seaport

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted N1.8 billion worth of expired pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs being smuggled into the country.  The Controller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, who made the closure on Thursday in Lagos, said the seizure was part of efforts of the service to safeguard the health […]

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted N1.8 billion worth of expired pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs being smuggled into the country.

 The Controller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, who made the closure on Thursday in Lagos, said the seizure was part of efforts of the service to safeguard the health and security of Nigerians.

The customs boss highlighted the importance of due diligence in cargo examination, noting that the recent seizures underscored the NCS’s resolve to prevent the importation of harmful goods.

“We will never sacrifice the health and security of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation,” he stated.

• ‘Why EFCC is still detaining NAHCON chairman’
• Knife-wielding police officer arrested for assaulting Kaduna electric staff

He explained that the seized goods included expired drugs and controlled substances such as tramadol, which were imported without the necessary regulatory approvals from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). 

Additionally, several containers were found to contain tramadol concealed with expired pharmaceutical products, all lacking the required NAFDAC registration numbers. These actions are in violation of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.