THE Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 12 containers of illicit drugs, unregistered and expired pharmaceutical products worth N1.8 billion at the Apapa seaport in Lagos State.
Unveiling pharmaceutical products in 12 containers on Thursday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reiterated that the service is resolved to prevent any importation that could be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
“I am here to present seizures made by our officers at the Apapa port command, which comprise expired and controlled pharmaceutical products with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.8 billion,” he said.
“One of the seized containers, a 1x40ft container with box number segu4339917, was declared to contain Baclofen tablets, Metoprolol Succinate, Atenolol gloves, Losartan Potassium, Hydrochlorothiazide, Atorvastatin Calcium, Esomeprazole Magnesium, Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, Valsartan tablets, Losartan Potassium, and Timolol Maleate.
“Upon examination, the container was found to be laden with daily health immune supplements that expired in July this year; Acyclovir capsules that expired in April 2024; Valsartan tablets (320mg and 160mg) that expired in June 2024; Prednisone tablets (USP 10mg) that expired in June 2024; losartan potassium tablets (100mg) that expired in june 2024; major Aspirin low-dose pain reliever (81mg) that expired in June 2024; vitamin d supplements that expired in June 2024; magnesium oxide tablets (420mg) that expired in June 2024; diclofenac sodium topical gel expiring in November 2024; oral rehydration solution mix that expired in July 2024; UNIMAP multiple micronutrient supplements expiring in December 2025, and other regulated medical items.”
Adeniyi disclosed that some of the containers with pharmaceuticals, the expired and unexpired medicaments did not carry the required NAFDAC number while adding that another 20ft container (No. DFSU 1362498) was found to contain cartons of royal tramadol (225mg) concealed with expired cartons of really extra analgesic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory tablets without a NAFDAC number.
A 20ft container (No. PCIU 1934537) was found to contain rolls of tramadol (225mg) concealed with expired cartons of Zokomol and diclofenac pharmaceutical products without a NAFDAC registration number. similarly, a 20ft container (no. CAIU 2167874) was found to contain cartons of tramadol (100mg) concealed with expired cartons of pharmaceutical products without a NAFDAC number.
The seizures also included a 40ft container (No. SEGU 6326800) found to contain cartons of codeine concealed with cartons of expired pharmaceutical products and cartons of brushes.
In addition to the pharmaceutical products, there were two 40ft containers (Nos. CAUU 5699055 and SUAN 8691124) with 15,540 and 12,000 pieces of cutlasses and machetes, respectively. a total of 27,540 pieces of cutlasses and machetes were contained in the two containers.
The Customs boss specially commended the Apapa Customs Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, and the Command’s officers for the anti-smuggling exploit.
Responding to questions on the effects of the Federal Government’s zero duty on some food items on the NCS revenue, the Customs CG estimated that the service may record N188 billion revenue shortfall.
Adeniyi, however, described the policy as worthwhile with the Federal Government’s intervention as a move to alleviate the hardship on Nigerian masses and assured that the NCS will play its role.
