The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Command, has intensified its crackdown 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 Customs Area Controller at Tincan Island, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this during the formal handover ceremony held on Friday in Lagos, reaffirming the command’s commitment to safeguarding public health and strengthening national security.
Onyeka described the seizure as part of the command’s sustained anti-smuggling campaign, stressing that protecting Nigerians from harmful products is a shared responsibility.
“I warmly welcome you to Tincan Island Port Command to highlight our achievement in the anti-smuggling drive, safeguarding public health and national security.
Today marks the formal handover of three 20ft containers of expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC for appropriate regulatory action,” he said.
According to him, two 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 medication.
The third container, identified as MSKU413519/1, contained 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, highlighting the serious health risks posed by such products.
He noted that the command had strengthened cargo examinations, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations to intercept prohibited and falsely declared goods.
“The command proactively intercepts controlled pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, narcotics, and items threatening 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 Customs Service’s mandate.
“These achievements result from discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he said, commending NAFDAC for its cooperation in preventing fake, substandard, and expired drugs from entering the Nigerian market.
He also praised officers of the command for their dedication and lauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for reforms that have strengthened operations nationwide.
“Our command will not relent in combating illicit trade and enforcing compliance with existing laws,” Onyeka assured, promising sustained collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Receiving the seized items, NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr Kareem Adekunle, said the expired drugs would be destroyed by burning.
Adekunle commended the Customs Service for its exemplary partnership and pledged continued collaboration to protect the health of Nigerians.
