The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over three 20-foot containers laden with expired pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as part of its ongoing anti-smuggling operations.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this to journalists during the official handover held at the Command on Friday, 6 February.
According to Comptroller Onyeka, the seized containers were intercepted in the course of intensified cargo examination and intelligence-driven enforcement activities aimed at protecting public health and national security.
He explained that two of the containers, with numbers PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets. The first container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second contained 250 cartons of the same expired product.
The third container, MSKU413519/1, was discovered to contain 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets without a valid NAFDAC registration number, rendering the consignment illegal and unsafe for public consumption.
Comptroller Onyeka noted that the seizure forms part of the Command’s sustained efforts to intercept prohibited and falsely declared goods, including controlled pharmaceuticals, arms and ammunition, narcotics, and other items that pose threats to public safety and economic stability.
He added that the Command has continued to balance enforcement with trade facilitation and revenue generation, in line with the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, attributing recent successes to improved intelligence gathering, disciplined operations, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
He commended NAFDAC for its consistent cooperation, describing the synergy between both agencies as critical in preventing fake, substandard, and expired drugs from reaching the Nigerian market.
He also praised officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command for their dedication and resilience, while acknowledging the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for implementing strategic reforms that have strengthened Customs operations nationwide.
Comptroller Onyeka reassured the public of the Command’s continued commitment to combating illicit trade, enforcing compliance with existing laws, and working closely with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property.
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