Major Seizure of Illicit Pharmaceuticals in Nigeria
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant seizure of 16 containers filled with illegal pharmaceutical products, valued at over N20.5 billion. These containers were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), marking a major victory in the fight against drug smuggling.
This operation was carried out weeks after the NCS and NAFDAC established a committee to implement the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between regulatory bodies and security agencies. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, praised the intelligence-driven approach that led to this successful operation. He highlighted the renewed partnership among national security and regulatory entities.
Adeniyi emphasized that these anti-smuggling efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s policies on border security, public health, and national safety. He stressed the commitment of the NCS to prevent criminal elements from exploiting Nigeria’s borders. The smugglers attempted to hide the illicit drugs by disguising them as regular imports such as tomato paste, ceiling fans, and plumbing materials. According to Adeniyi, they used sophisticated concealment tactics to avoid detection.
The items seized included:
- 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup (100ml each)
- 9.3 million tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac
- 12.6 million tablets of Royal Tramadol (225mg)
- Other unregistered and dangerous pharmaceuticals, including Trodol, Hyergra, Bisoveu, and Bassuka
Adeniyi warned that the NCS, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, maintains zero tolerance for smuggling. He stated that the intercepted containers were officially handed over to Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, for regulatory action by due process.
Institutional Collaboration Leads to Success
Muhammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller of PH 2 Onne Command, described the event as brief but historic. He highlighted the critical role of institutional collaboration in achieving the seizure, particularly the contributions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Department of State Services, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Babandede noted that the seizure involved eleven 40-foot containers of illicit medicines, four micro containers of bottled water, and one container of salt. He emphasized that this success reflects the strength of their collaboration, which aligns with the service’s policy of unity through cooperation, consolidation, and innovation.
NAFDAC’s Response and Commitment
Upon receiving the containers, NAFDAC boss, Adeyeye, commended the vigilance of the NCS and its partner agencies. She stressed the public health threat posed by the illicit consignment. Adeyeye expressed shock at the contents, stating that these products could destroy lives. She pointed out that some of the drugs were hidden in tomato paste, indicating clear criminal intent.
Adeyeye confirmed that all seized items would undergo comprehensive regulatory procedures, including laboratory testing, documentation, and destruction. She emphasized that NAFDAC is World Health Organisation certified, with international-standard laboratories and well-trained personnel. She assured that these products will never make it into the Nigerian market.
She warned importers of falsified medicines, branding them as merchants of death and reiterating that Nigeria would not serve as a dumping ground for substandard or unapproved pharmaceutical products.
Ongoing Efforts Against Smuggling
The Onne interception comes shortly after a major seizure at Apapa Port last week, where 25 containers of substandard medical devices were impounded. These events highlight the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat the smuggling of illegal pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Through continued collaboration and intelligence-driven operations, the NCS and NAFDAC are working together to protect public health and ensure the safety of the Nigerian market.
