Customs hands over three containers of expired drugs to NAFDAC at Tincan Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Command, has handed over three containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as part of efforts to curb the circulation of unsafe medicines in the country.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this during a formal handover ceremony held on Friday in Lagos.

Onyeka said the seizure underscores the command’s commitment to protecting public health and strengthening national security through sustained anti-smuggling operations.

According to him, the interception was part of ongoing enforcement measures aimed at preventing illicit and dangerous goods from entering the Nigerian market.

“I warmly welcome you to the Tincan Island Port Command as we highlight our achievements in the anti-smuggling drive targeted at safeguarding public health and national security,” Onyeka said.
“Today marks the formal handover of three 20-foot containers of expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC for appropriate regulatory action.”

He explained that two of the containers, with numbers PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets. Further inspection revealed that one container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the other contained 250 cartons of the same product.

The third container, numbered MSKU413519/1, contained 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets, which also lacked a valid NAFDAC registration number.

“This consignment is illegal and dangerous for public consumption,” Onyeka warned, stressing the serious health risks posed by expired and unregistered medicines.

He added that the command has strengthened cargo examination procedures, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations to intercept prohibited, falsely declared, and harmful goods.

According to him, the command routinely targets controlled pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, narcotics, and other items that threaten public safety and economic stability, while still facilitating legitimate trade and boosting revenue generation.

“These achievements are the result of discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he said.

Onyeka commended NAFDAC for its continued cooperation, noting that the partnership has been critical in preventing fake, substandard, and expired drugs from reaching consumers.

He assured stakeholders that Customs would sustain collaboration with relevant agencies to block dangerous pharmaceuticals from entering the country.

The Comptroller also praised officers of the command for their dedication and thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for reforms and leadership that have strengthened operations nationwide.

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

Receiving the seized products, NAFDAC’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Kareem Adekunle, said the expired drugs would be destroyed through burning.

Adekunle commended the Customs Service for its proactive efforts and pledged continued collaboration to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.