Tincan Island Customs Seizes Three Containers of Expired Drugs, Hands Them to NAFDAC
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Command, has intensified efforts against illicit and expired pharmaceuticals, handing over three containers of prohibited drugs to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Customs Area Controller at Tincan Island, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, made the disclosure during the formal handover on Friday in Lagos, emphasizing the command’s commitment to public health and national security.
“This marks the formal handover of three 20ft containers of expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC for proper regulatory action,” Onyeka said, noting that two containers contained expired Tramadol tablets — one with 86 cartons and the other with 250 cartons — while the third contained 370 cartons of Diclofenac Sodium tablets without valid NAFDAC registration.
Onyeka warned that such consignments are illegal and pose significant risks to public health, reaffirming the command’s proactive measures to intercept controlled pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, and other prohibited items.
“The Tincan Island Command is committed to safeguarding public health and economic stability while facilitating legitimate trade. These achievements are a result of discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he added.
He commended NAFDAC for its cooperation, highlighting that the partnership helps prevent fake, substandard, and expired drugs from entering the Nigerian market.
Receiving the seized drugs, NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr. Kareem Adekunle, confirmed that the expired products would be destroyed by burning. He also praised Customs for their exemplary collaboration and pledged continued partnership to protect Nigerians’ health.
The Tincan Island Command credited the success to the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi and assured the public of continued enforcement of anti-smuggling measures nationwide.
“Our command will not relent in combating illicit trade and enforcing compliance with existing laws,” Onyeka said. Read More
