COMPT ONYEKA INTERCEPTS, HANDS OVER ‘KILLER’ DRUGS WORTH BILLIONS OF NAIRA TO THE NAFDAC FOR REGULATORY ACTION
Doubling down on its war against the smuggling of fake and counterfeit drugs through the Tin Can Island Ports, the Customs Area controller yesterday announced the interception and handing over fake pharmaceutical products worth billions of naira to the NAFDAC in Lagos.
Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka described the gesture as that which ‘underpins our collective responsibility to protect public health and national security’
The seizures, he disclosed, include (3) units of 20ft containers containing expired pharmaceutical products They were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) for appropriate regulatory action.
Compt Onyeka stated two of the containers were found to contain expired tramadol tablets.
‘These consignments were thoroughly examined and the result revealed that the first container has 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second container had 250 cartons of same expired tramadol product’
The Customs helmsman noted that the third container was found to contain 370 cartons of expired Dyclofenac sodium BP 50mg tablets without a valid NAFDAC registration number, making the consignment illegal and dangerous for public use.
The Area controller stressed that beyond these seizure, the Command has continued to record notable achievements in recent times through intensified cargo examination, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained enforcement operations.
He said the Command has remained proactive in intercepting prohibited and falsely declared goods, including controlled pharmaceuticals, arms and ammunition, narcotics, and other items capable of undermining public safety and economic stability. At the same time, they have continued to facilitate legitimate trade and contribute significantly to revenue generation, in line with the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service. These achievements are the result of deliberate strategies anchored on discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
In this regard, he specially appreciate the operatives of NAFDAC for their consistent cooperation. Their synergy has continued to yield positive results, particularly in ensuring that fake, substandard, and expired drugs are intercepted before reaching the Nigerian populace.
He also commend the officers and men of the Command for their resilience and commitment to duty. Their efforts have continued to strengthen the credibility and operational effectiveness of the Command.
Furthermore, he express our sincere appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi PhD MFR psc (+) for his purposeful leadership and strategic reforms, which have empowered our operations.
He reassured the general public that their Command will not relent in its resolve to combat illicit trade, enforce compliance with extant laws, and work closely with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property.