The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island command, has intensified its fight against illicit pharmaceuticals, handing over three containers of expired drugs to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

Customs Area Controller at Tincan Island, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, made the disclosure during the formal handover on Friday in Lagos.

Mr Onyeka reaffirmed the command’s commitment to public health and national security, pledging a tougher crackdown on illicit drugs across the nation.

Addressing stakeholders, he said the seizure was part of the command’s sustained anti-smuggling drive, calling it a collective responsibility to protect Nigerians.

He said, “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.”

Mr Onyeka explained that t.wo containers, numbered PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets.

A detailed examination revealed one 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, 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,” Mr Onyeka stated, stressing the public health risk posed by such drugs.

Beyond seizures, he said Tincan Island Customs had improved 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,” Mr Onyeka said.

He explained that enforcement was strengthened while facilitating legitimate trade, contributing significantly to revenue generation, in line with customs’ core mandate.

“These achievements result from discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he added, highlighting the strategies behind successful operations.

Mr Onyeka commended NAFDAC for its cooperation, noting that their synergy helps prevent fake, substandard, and expired drugs from reaching the public.

He assured that collaboration with NAFDAC would continue to intercept dangerous pharmaceuticals before they enter the Nigerian market.

The customs boss also praised officers for their dedication, describing their efforts as key to the command’s credibility and operational effectiveness.

He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for leadership and reforms empowering customs operations nationwide.

“Our command will not relent in combating illicit trade and enforcing compliance with existing laws,” Mr Onyeka said 

He promised continued collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria.

Receiving the drugs, NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Kareem Adekunle, said the expired products would be destroyed by burning.

Mr Adekunle commended Customs for their exemplary collaboration and pledged continued partnership to protect Nigerians’ health. 

(NAN)