Lagos: The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Command, has intensified its crackdown on illicit pharmaceuticals, handing over three containers of expired drugs to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller at Tincan Island, disclosed this during a formal handover on Friday in Lagos.
Onyeka reaffirmed the command’s commitment to public health and national security, pledging a tougher crackdown on illicit drugs nationwide.
Addressing stakeholders, he said the seizure was part of the command’s sustained anti-smuggling drive and called on stakeholders to take it as a collective responsibility to protect Nigerians.
“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.
Onyeka explained that two containers, numbered PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets, a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.
A detailed examination revealed that one container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg. The second container contained 250 cartons of the same expired product.
The third container, MSKU413519/1, contained 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets. These lacked a valid NAFDAC registration number.
“This consignment is illegal and dangerous for public consumption,” Onyeka warned, 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, and narcotics. We also target items threatening public safety and economic stability,” Onyeka said.
He explained that enforcement is strengthened while facilitating legitimate trade. This effort contributes significantly to revenue generation, which aligns with Customs’ core mandate.
“These achievements result from discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he added. He highlighted the strategies behind successful operations.
Onyeka commended NAFDAC for its cooperation, noting that its synergy helps prevent fake, substandard, and expired drugs from reaching the public.
He assured that collaboration with NAFDAC would continue. Together, they will intercept dangerous pharmaceuticals before these drugs enter the Nigerian market.
The Customs boss also praised officers for their dedication. He described their efforts as key to the command’s credibility and operational effectiveness.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and reforms that have empowered customs operations nationwide.
“Our command will not relent in combating illicit trade and enforcing compliance with laws,” Onyeka said.
He promised continued collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property.
NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr Kareem Adekunle, received the drugs and said he would ensure the expired products were destroyed by burning.
Adekunle commended Customs for their exemplary collaboration and pledged continued partnership to protect Nigerians’ health.
The three containers of expired pharmaceutical products hand over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), at Tincan Island ports custom command in Lagos on Friday
